Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:42 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:42 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.
Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPETHC601B
PSPETHC601B
State Code
C7988
C7988
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/07/2014
Field of Education
080509 - Public Relations
Original Release Date
08/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the provision of effective leadership by those in public service to encourage in others the highest standards of ethical conduct. It includes providing ethical leadership, balancing competing public interests and establishing and monitoring processes and practices that encourage integrity. In practice, ethical conduct is demonstrated in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, providing strategic HR services, managing regulatory compliance, managing contracts.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Provide ethical leadership
- 1.1 Ethical conduct is modelled, and reinforced in others.
- 1.2 The professionalism required of public servants is communicated and encouraged in ways suited to the diversity of the workforce.
- 1.3 Staff are encouraged to raise ethical dilemmas, are provided with frameworks for ethical decision making and policy setting, and coached in their application.
- 1.4 Staff are provided with opportunities to develop skills in identifying and resolving situations requiring ethical judgment.
- 1.5 Clarification of the ethical aspects of decisions/actions and advice and guidance on more complex ethical problems are provided promptly and documented in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.6 The reporting of suspected unethical conduct is encouraged, dealt with in a confidential manner and acted on promptly, and in accordance with policy and procedures.
- 1.7 The work environment is monitored and policies/organisational procedures are evaluated for consistency with public sector standards, and changes are recommended where necessary.
2. Balance competing public interests
- 2.1 Consideration of relevant facts is undertaken comprehensively, and weightings given to competing interests are unbiased, transparent and defensible.
- 2.2 Decision making processes are used transparently, and accountably and reasoning/grounds for decisions are documented in accordance with policy and procedures.
- 2.3 Objective and impartial advice is provided to government regarding policy decisions relating to the public interest.
- 2.4 Where staff indicate conflicts of interest, action is taken immediately to resolve the situation in accordance with policy and procedures.
3. Establish and monitor processes and practices that encourage integrity
- 3.1 Organisational processes and practices are developed or reviewed to ensure they meet the requirements of procedural fairness and accountability.
- 3.2 Processes are developed containing mechanisms to ensure that public resources are used in accordance with public sector ethics standards, legislation, policy and/or guidelines.
- 3.3 Risk management strategies are included in processes and meet client, staff and organisational needs for transparency and accountability.
- 3.4 Processes and practices are monitored to ensure they encourage and support those reporting unethical conduct and protect them from reprisals.
- 3.5 Action is taken to ensure that the ethical standard of conduct of contractors is consistent with the requirements of the contracting organisation.
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.
Ethical conduct includes:
respect for the law
integrity
objectivity
accountability
honesty
openness
responsibility
impartiality
reliability
diligence
trustworthiness
respect for persons
responsible care
Professionalism may include:
ethical conduct
commitment
diligence
courtesy
respect for others
conduct free of cultural and gender bias
able to withstand external scrutiny
Complex ethical problems may include:
conflict between public sector standards and personal values
conflict between public sector standards and other standards such as professional standards
conflict between public sector standards and directions of a senior officer or Minister
tension between two 'rights' such as the right to privacy versus the right to freedom of information
Actions relating to the reporting of unethical conductmay include:
protection and support of those reporting unethical conduct
confidential review and evidence gathering to confirm allegations prior to subsequent reporting
referral to authority identified in guidelines
use of confidant programs (whistleblower protection programs, organisational professional reporting procedures)
Unethical conduct may include:
fraud, corruption, maladministration and waste
unauthorised access to and use of information, money/finances, vehicles, equipment, resources
improper public comment on matters relating to the government and/or the organisation
falsifying records
giving false testimonials
dishonesty
improper use of equipment, telephones, credit cards, frequent flyer points, email and Internet
extravagant or wasteful practices
personal favours, preferential treatment
putting barriers in place, hindering, blocking action
compromising behaviour including sexual harassment
directing others to act unethically
oppressive/coercive management decisions
resorting to illegality to obtain evidence
Conflicts of interest may include:
both potential and actual conflicts
bribery
improper use of official information
gifts
entertainment
previous and outside employment, including voluntary work
favours for friends, relatives and others
memberships of organisations
political activity
pecuniary and non-pecuniary conflicts
Organisational processes may include:
strategic planning
policy development
recruitment
selection
induction
performance management
learning and development
promotion
redundancy
re-deployment
ceasing of temporary contracts
disciplinary and grievance procedures
establishment of an ethics committee within the organisation
investigations
procurement and contracting.
Procedural fairness may include:
the right to be heard/put your case
the right to be informed of a complaint or case against you
the right to know reasons for decisions affecting you
the right to know the outcome/recommendations of an investigation involving you
the right to privacy
the right to representation
the right to remain silent
the decision maker should not be a judge in his/her own cause
in accordance with the law.
Legislation policy and guidelines may include:
legislation for public sector management
freedom of information legislation
privacy legislation
equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination law
public sector standards
Ministerial directions
government policy
legal precedents
State/Territory/Commonwealth codes of ethics
equity guidelines/workplace diversity guidelines
organisational codes of conduct
organisational mission and values statements
organisational procedures/guidelines
organisational performance management policy.
Ethical conduct includes:
respect for the law
integrity
objectivity
accountability
honesty
openness
responsibility
impartiality
reliability
diligence
trustworthiness
respect for persons
responsible care
Professionalism may include:
ethical conduct
commitment
diligence
courtesy
respect for others
conduct free of cultural and gender bias
able to withstand external scrutiny
Complex ethical problems may include:
conflict between public sector standards and personal values
conflict between public sector standards and other standards such as professional standards
conflict between public sector standards and directions of a senior officer or Minister
tension between two 'rights' such as the right to privacy versus the right to freedom of information
Actions relating to the reporting of unethical conductmay include:
protection and support of those reporting unethical conduct
confidential review and evidence gathering to confirm allegations prior to subsequent reporting
referral to authority identified in guidelines
use of confidant programs (whistleblower protection programs, organisational professional reporting procedures)
Unethical conduct may include:
fraud, corruption, maladministration and waste
unauthorised access to and use of information, money/finances, vehicles, equipment, resources
improper public comment on matters relating to the government and/or the organisation
falsifying records
giving false testimonials
dishonesty
improper use of equipment, telephones, credit cards, frequent flyer points, email and Internet
extravagant or wasteful practices
personal favours, preferential treatment
putting barriers in place, hindering, blocking action
compromising behaviour including sexual harassment
directing others to act unethically
oppressive/coercive management decisions
resorting to illegality to obtain evidence
Conflicts of interest may include:
both potential and actual conflicts
bribery
improper use of official information
gifts
entertainment
previous and outside employment, including voluntary work
favours for friends, relatives and others
memberships of organisations
political activity
pecuniary and non-pecuniary conflicts
Organisational processes may include:
strategic planning
policy development
recruitment
selection
induction
performance management
learning and development
promotion
redundancy
re-deployment
ceasing of temporary contracts
disciplinary and grievance procedures
establishment of an ethics committee within the organisation
investigations
procurement and contracting.
Procedural fairness may include:
the right to be heard/put your case
the right to be informed of a complaint or case against you
the right to know reasons for decisions affecting you
the right to know the outcome/recommendations of an investigation involving you
the right to privacy
the right to representation
the right to remain silent
the decision maker should not be a judge in his/her own cause
in accordance with the law.
Legislation policy and guidelines may include:
legislation for public sector management
freedom of information legislation
privacy legislation
equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination law
public sector standards
Ministerial directions
government policy
legal precedents
State/Territory/Commonwealth codes of ethics
equity guidelines/workplace diversity guidelines
organisational codes of conduct
organisational mission and values statements
organisational procedures/guidelines
organisational performance management policy.
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, a range of (2 or more) generalist or specialist units of competency at Advanced Diploma level or above. Choice from the following units is recommended:
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV603B Develop a tender submission response
PSPGOV604A Foster leadership and innovation
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPMNGT602B Manage resources
PSPMNGT606B Manage quality client service
PSPPROC607B Direct the management of contracts
PSPPM601B Direct complex project activities
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
ethical leadership modelled and promoted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) where contexts may include generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, managing regulatory compliance, managing procurement etc
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
ethics-related legislation and guidelines
codes of conduct and codes of ethics
public sector standards, procedures and protocols
ethical decision making/problem solving models
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 working ethically, and ensuring ethical processes and behaviour in others in a public sector environment, including coping with ambiguity, difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
ethical leadership modelled and promoted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) where contexts may include generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, managing regulatory compliance, managing procurement etc
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:
case studies
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
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
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, a range of (2 or more) generalist or specialist units of competency at Advanced Diploma level or above. Choice from the following units is recommended:
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV603B Develop a tender submission response
PSPGOV604A Foster leadership and innovation
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPMNGT602B Manage resources
PSPMNGT606B Manage quality client service
PSPPROC607B Direct the management of contracts
PSPPM601B Direct complex project activities
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
ethical leadership modelled and promoted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) where contexts may include generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, managing regulatory compliance, managing procurement etc
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
ethics-related legislation and guidelines
codes of conduct and codes of ethics
public sector standards, procedures and protocols
ethical decision making/problem solving models
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 working ethically, and ensuring ethical processes and behaviour in others in a public sector environment, including coping with ambiguity, difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
ethical leadership modelled and promoted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) where contexts may include generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, managing regulatory compliance, managing procurement etc
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:
case studies
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
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
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3420 | PSPETHC601A | Maintain and enhance confidence in Public Service | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW15 | PSPETH004 | Maintain and enhance confidence in public service | Unit of competency |