Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:18 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials

Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV606A
State Code
C8059
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/11/2014
Field of Education
100705 - Written Communication
Original Release Date
05/11/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers high-level written communication including the preparation of complex, sensitive materials. It includes preparing for high-level written communication, critically analysing other positions and preparing persuasive written communication.In practice, preparing high-level/sensitive written materials may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity, etc. This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with written communication. Related units are:PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materials PSPGOV313A Compose workplace documentsPSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documentsNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for high-level written communication
  • 1.1 Communication objectives are clarified, stakeholders are identified and political or other sensitivities are determined.
  • 1.2 Research is undertaken to anticipate the likely attitudes of and positions of stakeholders on the matter/s under consideration.
  • 1.3 Subject matter is researched/organised, key messages to be conveyed are distilled and tactics are planned to utilise written materials to maximise outcomes for the organisation in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
2. Critically analyse other positions
  • 2.1 Other positions are considered critically to evaluate complex levels of meaning in written communication and to identify impartiality, bias or unsupported argument.
  • 2.2 Written materials are examined for subtext, significant inclusions and exclusions, socio-cultural values, attitudes and assumptions.
  • 2.3 Complex concepts and ideas are explored to clarify understanding, and justify, or challenge interpretations based on underlying assumptions, beliefs and values.
  • 2.4 Evidence is compared and contrasted and sources referred to are evaluated for reliability and authenticity.
  • 2.5 Evidence is used to test other positions and draw conclusions about their validity and strengths.
3. Prepare persuasive written communication
  • 3.1 Communication approach is chosen and used to positively influence and remove barriers to understanding for the given audience.
  • 3.2 Risk assessment is undertaken and risk management is implemented in relation to document preparation and content.
  • 3.3 Input information/documents provided by others are analysed for fit with the chosen approach and to ensure consistency of values, attitudes and opinions.
  • 3.4 Information is synthesised and complex documents are prepared in accordance with organisational requirements, legislation, policy and procedures.
  • 3.5 Feedback from others is obtained on the documents' effectiveness for the purpose intended, outcomes are assessed and lessons learnt are articulated and used to underpin future writing.
  • 3.6 Feedback is provided to contributors of information/documents to improve future input in a manner that provides learning opportunities for the contributors.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Communication objectives may include:
influencing opinion
share information
brief Minister
reach consensus
shape opinion
influence policy
represent the organisation's position
represent the business unit's position
build reputation (of self and organisation)
market services
obtain funding
Stakeholders may include:
all those individuals and groups both inside and outside the government that have some direct interest in government conduct, actions, products and services, such as:
employees at all levels of the public sector
government
Ministers
clients
the public
other public sector organisations
other jurisdictions
union and association representatives
boards of management
international governments
international bodies
community groups
non-government organisations
special interest groups
key individuals of influence
Organisation of subject matter may include:
identifying features, advantages and benefits and aligning evidence/examples
anticipating likely disagreements and structuring material to address these
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards relating to high-level written communication in the public sector, such as:
ethics and accountability guidelines/codes of practice
information security standards
principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity
confidentiality
freedom of information
privacy
intellectual property
fraud standards
copyright
risk management
Communication approach may include:
consideration of wider organisational/public sector issues
consideration of political sensitivities
language calculated to appeal emotionally to a particular audience, such as authoritative, serious, informal, informative
cultural, ethnic, diversity or equity considerations
working within government processes and operational frameworks
consultative
collaborative
assertive
reasonable
Complex documents may include:
Cabinet submissions
briefing papers
speeches
media briefs
position papers
discussion papers
business cases
reports
public policy strategies
justification for policy development
policy guidance
Organisational requirements may include:
use of plain English
style formats
acknowledgements
particular terminology to be used/not used:
acronyms
technical terms
bureaucratic language
abbreviations
requirements for minimising jargon in written materials
requirements for written material to take account of cultural, ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities, etiquette
guidelines for illustrative items
standards for references, acknowledgements, citations, footnotes, endnotes
use of particular communication channels
private or confidential materials
embargoed material
politically sensitive materials
security standards for government information
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity
PSPMNGT608B Manage risk
PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
preparation of high-level/sensitive written materials in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to written communication in the public sector
examples of complex workplace documents
government style guide
organisational writing guides
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when preparing high-level/sensitive written materials
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when preparing high-level/sensitive written materials, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
preparation of high-level/sensitive written materials in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWV31 PSPGEN071 Prepare high-level written communication Unit of competency