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.

For what purposes might social events be held?
Promotion of group, project and programs to community, attract new members, celebrate event, develop group cohesiveness, and provide occasion for dignitary to meet members and community.

What form may group goals take?
They may be formal or informal.

What sorts of resources might be relevant to this unit?
Equipment, such as barbecues, cooking equipment and utensils, refrigeration or ice cooling, seating, amplification, marquees or other shelter, food, displays and promotional materials.

What might constitute the community?
Town, village, regional area, suburb or group of suburbs in a city or coastal region.

What might be included in community views?
Community cultures and beliefs, community viewpoints on activities, suitable locations, size of activities, and age ranges and sexes of people attending.

Which aspects of safety may be considered?
Public safety and occupational health and safety.

How might the event be promoted?
Personal or group or invitation from chairperson, circulars through community or community groups, formal invitation, with or without charge and through the media.

Who are the personnel that might be included?
Paid personnel, contract caterers and volunteers.

What could be included to minimise impact?
Changing event sequence or timing, obtaining supplementary or alternative resources, and catering for changed weather conditions.

How could communication be used in this unit?
Developing consensus of opinion, obtaining ' volunteers' to take responsibility for part of activities, welcoming people at activity, introducing people and obtaining opinions.

How might literacy be useful?
In developing plans and promotional materials.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in coordinating social events to support group purposes requires evidence that a social event has been successfully planned and that activities have been appropriately coordinated for a community group and event. The skills and knowledge required to coordinate social events to support group purposes must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different types of events, community groups and locations.
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:

Basic catering requirements.
Resources available in the community.
Basic costing for events.
Basic money handling and group financial procedures.
Resources required for different types of events.
Negotiation of arrangements with caterers, hotels and clubs.
Hiring and borrowing equipment.
Group goals and aim of events.
Community views and cultures.

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:

Facilitate small ad-hoc group to complete activities.
Coordinate group officers to perform appropriate roles in events.
Timely plan and follow-up tasks to be completed for event.
Use social skills and etiquette.
Manage any conflict.
Serve customer.

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
Verbal and written communications occurs at committee meetings, through fliers and media articles advising of the event. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information gained in coordinating social events can be recorded onto a database and/or filed in a paper-based system, and may need to be used to support submissions for additional events and funding. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Through consultation with representative groups and committees with an interest in the social event. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through organisation of social events with others stakeholders and/or committee members. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In the estimating, purchasing and organisation of materials and equipment for social events, and in management of budgets and funds. (2)

Solving problems
By dealing with unforeseen situations that may arise in the planning or conduct of a social event. (3)

Using technology
In the keeping of records, and use of electrical/electronic equipment at social events. (1)