Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

How might sponsorship be included in this unit?
May be in cash or kind and may be offered in support of a particular event, activity or project, or towards the general running costs of the community group, program or park/reserve.

Who might be considered a potential sponsor/sponsors?
A business, Commonwealth, State and Local Government department and bodies, non-profit organisations and private individuals.

What sorts of programs or activities might be relevant?
Commonwealth Government community programs under the Natural Heritage Trust, Rural Industry programs, business programs, State Government community programs related to the environment, specific program or activity associated with the conservation of park/reserve or with areas of land and water sponsored by owner of land/water, whether private, Lands Council or government agency, park/reserve facilities, project activities, fundraising and submissions, on-ground works, monitoring and evaluation, and integrity and requirements of program are respected.

What benefits to the sponsor could be included?
Naming rights, signage, free admissions, public acknowledgment verbally or in documents, newsletters etc., work completed on sponsor's premises and information provided to sponsor.

What research or analysis might be relevant in this unit?
Formal or informal, community networks, research related to particular business or private sector of community, existing sponsors to other groups, approaches to groups or organisations and analysis of interest or potential interest in programs.

Which agency might be included in this unit?
Commonwealth, State or Territory department or statutory body managing a program.

What legal, financial, cultural, ethical, equity and other considerations could be relevant to this unit?
Acts governing operation of program, activities, limits on signage, etc., public and occupational health safety and welfare, equal opportunity, structure of contracts, agreements between sponsor and program management of sponsorship funds, match between sponsor's business/goals/image and the program goals and activities, and cultural sensitivity of sponsorship arrangement.

What could be included as program and enterprise policies and procedures?
Restrictions on suitable sponsors, guidelines on sponsor approach and agreements, may be community group policies or agency promoting Natural Heritage Trust program.

What sorts of presentation support materials might be included?
Kits, statistics, plans and maps, financial information including project budgets and audio-visuals.

How might literacy be relevant to this unit?
In developing sponsorship proposal, negotiating and documenting sponsorship agreements and contracts, and researching contacts through records, indexes, computer files and internet.

What forms of communication may be included?
Effective presentations or organisations, managers, boards and individuals, and negotiation of agreements and contracts.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in obtaining and managing sponsorship requires evidence that a sponsorship deal has been negotiated and maintained for a community program. The skills and knowledge required to obtain and manage sponsorship must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different sponsors, community programs and negotiated arrangements.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Sources of information about the community and organisations, businesses, groups and individuals.
Strategy, goals, ethics, program and activities of community group and/or agency.
Effective marketing techniques.
Acts, policies and guidelines governing programs and activities.
Relevant OHS and public safety requirements.
Sources of legal and financial advice.
Understanding of operation of contracts and agreements.
Approach to other people that creates professional image.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Conduct effective presentations.
Undertake face-to-face and written marketing techniques.
Develop presentation support materials.
Negotiate and close contracts.
Coordinate others to develop presentation.
Coordinate others to deliver commitments.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Through meetings, presentations and discussions with prospective/current sponsors. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through research and consultation of sponsors likely to be able to assist. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Through identification of sponsorship requirements, acquisition, handling and storage. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In developing strategies to approach and present to sponsors. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Though determining sponsorship needs and costs, including estimation of contribution in kind where required. (2)

Solving problems
In dealing with conflict situations or where there is community concern regarding scope and type of sponsorship. (3)

Using technology
Through use of computers and communication systems. (2)