Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Information for critical analysis may include:
applications
briefing papers
discussion papers
expert opinion
literature
plans
policy advice
project briefs
reports
research
speeches
submissions
web site information
Purpose may include:
influencing opinion
reporting on achievement
recommending options and corresponding actions
meeting regulatory requirements
meeting public sector reporting requirements
documenting policy
developing policy
obtaining funding
providing briefing material
contributing to strategic planning
responding to enquiries/complaints
Complex documents may include:
funding submissions
briefing papers
speeches
media briefs
position papers
discussion papers
business cases
reports
project briefs
strategic and operational plans
functional area strategy
justification for policy development
policy guidance
counter argument to submission
Structure and content may include:
executive summary
division into sections or chapters
tables of contents and indexes
conclusions
glossaries
footnotes/endnotes
references
critical analysis
facts and observations
submissions
creative ideas
recommendations and supporting arguments
opinion
anticipated arguments and rebuttals
case studies
Submission of document may include:
approvals
sign-off procedures
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
using particular communication channels
Legislation, policy and procedures may include:
State/Territory or Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation and security of written information in the public sector, including freedom of information, copyright, privacy, confidentiality, equal employment opportunity, diversity, occupational health and safety
risk assessment
information security requirements
public sector standards
fraud control standards
codes of practice
codes of ethics
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:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV505A Promote diversity
PSPGOV515A Develop and use political nous
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain 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
complex workplace documents composed/refined 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
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when composing/refining complex workplace documents
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 refining complex workplace documents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
complex workplace documents composed/refined 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