Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:17 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:17 PM 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.
Establish metrics for social sustainability
Establish metrics for social sustainability
Unit of competency
National Code
MSS015019A
MSS015019A
State Code
WI696
WI696
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
080307 - Organisation Management
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency covers determining what aspects of social sustainability are to be measured and how to quantify them; then implementing and improving the metrics system. This unit covers quantifying the social aspects of sustainability which are typically hard to measure by converting them to numerical data using indicators and estimations in order to monitor changes.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Define the scope of metrics for social sustainability
- 1.1 Identify the organisation’s values, strategies and goals in social sustainability to define the purpose of monitoring social sustainability issues
- 1.2 Consult with stakeholders to identify the social sustainability issues, impacts or sensitivities to be monitored
- 1.3 Consult with stakeholders to identify the social sustainability goals to be quantified
- 1.4 Identify relevant legislative/regulatory requirements
- 1.5 Determine reporting requirements
2 Identify and evaluate options for quantifying the priority aspects of social sustainability
- 2.1 Source statistical assistance/advice if required
- 2.2 Identify how existing approaches to quantifying social sustainability can be applied/adapted to be relevant to the goals
- 2.3 Determine options for quantitative proxies and/or indicators relevant to the goals
- 2.4 Evaluate options against the purpose and goals and select appropriate metrics
- 2.5 Identify the benefits and limitations of the selected proxies and/or indicators for the goals and purpose
- 2.6 Ensure adequate resources are available to implement the system
3 Implement the metrics system
- 3.1 Establish methods for data collection and analysis to fit the selected metrics
- 3.2 Set parameters for implementing the selected metrics
- 3.3 Provide tools and procedures for data collection and documentation
- 3.4 Allocate tasks and responsibilities for data collection and analysis
- 3.5 Identify the need for competency development to implement the system and take appropriate action
4 Review social sustainability data
- 4.1 Collate baseline and follow up data
- 4.2 Review the data against the purpose and goals
- 4.3 Identify the implications for social sustainability activities taking into account the limitations of the metrics used
5 Apply continuous improvement to the metrics system
- 5.1 Review the effectiveness of the metrics system in relation to the purpose and goals
- 5.2 Identify current industry practices in metrics for social sustainability
- 5.3 Engage stakeholders in providing feedback on the metrics system and identifying improvements
- 5.4 Evaluate opportunities for improving the metrics system and recommend improvements
6 Communicate to support the metrics system
- 6.1 Identify stakeholders and their information needs
- 6.2 Provide information targeted to stakeholder needs to support the development and implementation of the metrics system
- 6.3 Record and report on the implications for social sustainability and the limitations of the metrics used
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Purpose for monitoring social sustainability
Purpose for monitoring social responsibility refers to the organisation’s reason or aim for monitoring social sustainability which might relate to stated or implicit organisational values, strategies or goals. The purpose might be:
supporting core values
enacting the organisation’s social purpose
implementing social sustainability strategy
being a good corporate citizen
supporting policies, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)
improving the organisation’s reputation, handling of complaints and worker retention
supply chain or tender requirements
applying voluntary standards or codes, e.g. GRI reporting and ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Social sustainability goals
Social sustainability goals relate to the activities and programs being implemented and define what will be quantified and monitored in the metrics system. They may already be stated or may need to be defined in establishing the metrics system.
Benefits and limitations of metrics
Benefits and limitations of metrics may include:
the relevance and accuracy of data collection methods, indicators and estimations used
Resources
Resources may include:
organisational and individual capacity
individual skills
budget
access to people and information
Parameters
Parameters help to define the implementation of the metrics and may include:
frequency of data collection and reports
locations
volume of data to be collected
sampling methods
tools and documentation to be used
Purpose for monitoring social sustainability
Purpose for monitoring social responsibility refers to the organisation’s reason or aim for monitoring social sustainability which might relate to stated or implicit organisational values, strategies or goals. The purpose might be:
supporting core values
enacting the organisation’s social purpose
implementing social sustainability strategy
being a good corporate citizen
supporting policies, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)
improving the organisation’s reputation, handling of complaints and worker retention
supply chain or tender requirements
applying voluntary standards or codes, e.g. GRI reporting and ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Social sustainability goals
Social sustainability goals relate to the activities and programs being implemented and define what will be quantified and monitored in the metrics system. They may already be stated or may need to be defined in establishing the metrics system.
Benefits and limitations of metrics
Benefits and limitations of metrics may include:
the relevance and accuracy of data collection methods, indicators and estimations used
Resources
Resources may include:
organisational and individual capacity
individual skills
budget
access to people and information
Parameters
Parameters help to define the implementation of the metrics and may include:
frequency of data collection and reports
locations
volume of data to be collected
sampling methods
tools and documentation to be used
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to develop, implement and improve metrics systems that are relevant to social sustainability issues.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
establishing processes for quantifying social sustainability to meet organisational goals
consulting with and providing information to stakeholders to facilitate development and implementation of the metrics system
collecting and interpreting quantitative data on social sustainability
applying continuous improvement processes.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to develop, implement and improve metrics systems that are relevant to social sustainability issues.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
establishing processes for quantifying social sustainability to meet organisational goals
consulting with and providing information to stakeholders to facilitate development and implementation of the metrics system
collecting and interpreting quantitative data on social sustainability
applying continuous improvement processes.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with other relevant units addressing sustainability at the enterprise level or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Method of assessment
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAL04 | MSS015019 | Establish/review metrics for social sustainability | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J131 | MSS50112 | Diploma of Sustainable Operations | Qualification |