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.

What reasons for contacts may be included?
To obtain financial and community support, build public awareness, provide assistance (e.g., expertise, training or advice), become clients of group and to work with State agencies.

Who might be included in personal contacts?
Private friends and relatives, contacts made through other private or business transactions, social contacts within structured or unstructured settings, promotional activities and in formal and informal settings.

What sort of program or activity 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, project activities, fundraising and submissions, on-ground works, and monitoring and evaluation.

How could equity requirements be applied in this unit?
By including box sexes, people with disabilities, and those with a non-English speaking background.

What do cultural protocols refer to?
Expected demeanour within a particular setting or with individuals or groups of another cultural background, cultural groups within an area of operation and contact, and may include immigrants and Indigenous people.

What are the appropriate mechanisms relevant to this unit?
Contact with Land Councils or other organisations, contact via government agencies and maintaining any privacy requirements relating to Indigenous communities.

How might promotional activities be applied?
By improving awareness of program, raising awareness of issues and desirable community response, and raising the profile of the community group.

What is meant by working relationships?
Continuing co-operation between individuals and/or groups to mutual benefit. They may be formal or informal relationships and may include exchange of ideas and/or resources.

Which agency/enterprise procedures and guidelines may be relevant?
Those relating to representing agency in community, avoiding conflicts of interest, management of contractual arrangements and use of agency information, records and resources.

How could communication be relevant in this unit?
Ability to present ideas and concepts to individuals and small groups, identify ideas and issues from discussion, negotiate and obtain agreement in areas of common interest and benefit, and to deal with people who have strong opinions/characters.

How might literacy be useful?
In the use of contacts index or electronic contacts files.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in developing community networks requires evidence that community networks have been successfully established and evaluated according to elements and performance criteria for this competency standard. The skills and knowledge required to develop community networks must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different community groups and types of networks.
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:

Community structures, organisations and cultures.
Relevant government community action program(s).
Process of delivery of program(s).
Broad Australian and regional history.
Current social and environmental affairs for local community and wider region.
Rural industry operations and structures (for rural programs).
Relevant legislation.
Affirmative action and anti-discrimination policies.
Occupational health and safety requirements.

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:

Identify community cultures and goals.
Use manual or electronic index systems.
Communicate with people of all ages, cultures and sexes.
Give presentations to diverse groups of people.
Handle contentious issues raised by others in conjunction with strong views.

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, community events and functions, and informal discussions with individuals and groups. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through research and consultation with community people, groups and networks, and printed media. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Through planning of schedules to attend meetings and community functions and events. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Through co-operative sharing of information and development of strategies with colleagues. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
Where technical, organisational and cultural problems may arise requiring complex solutions. (2)

Using technology
Through use of computers and communications equipment. (1)