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.

Where are changes likely to occur which are relevant to this standard?
In business practice to conserve natural resources and in private lives and activities.

What forms of individuals' and families' business operations may be included?
Farms and related rural occupations involving land and water resources, tourism, fishing, other industry and pollution/environmental impacts, management of pollution and degradation, management of weeds, pests etc., and fencing areas of natural resources/heritage.

What forms of individuals' and families' private lives may be included?
General lifestyle in use of resources, recreational activities e.g., camping, fishing, 4WD use, disposal of garbage, recycling and contribution to programs and projects.

What impacts may be relevant?
Voluntary change, change for long term sustainability of rural property and/or resource, change to meet current or future legislative requirements and management of risks in current or proposed practices.

What are some potential difficulties that may be encountered?
Personal views, business finances and operations not compatible with change, requirement for expenditure to implement change and range of views or disagreement among family members including strong views and personalities.

What sort of information may be collected?
Written information about new processes and techniques, brochures on programs, technical information and verbal information.

What is the meaning of the term format and context?
Verbal explanations to relate to current business practices or lifestyle converting technical information to everyday language in a local context.

What could be the results of support?
Changed working practices, changed approach to natural resources and changed private lifestyle.

What might be considered to be a community?
Town, village, regional area, suburb or group of suburbs or self-defined group of families.

What levels of literacy are included?
Sourcing appropriate information, use of technical indexes, assessing level of complexity of written materials, and redrafting information into local context.

What forms of communication may be relevant?
Use of networks to obtain information, discussions with individuals and families to identify attitudes, current practices, issues, personalities and authority structures, negotiation, conflict resolution, personal support and use of plain English.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supporting individuals in resource management change process requires evidence that change management processes have been successfully supported according to community and agency guidelines and best practice procedures. The skills and knowledge required to support individuals in resource management change process must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different communities, individuals, businesses and change management approaches.
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:

Relevant rural business practices and best practice within local context.
Local natural resource management issues.
Community lifestyle and practices, some with impact on natural resources.
Relevant approaches to different cultures.
Change management theory and practices.
Action learning approaches.
Networks of assistance.

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 informal discussions/interviews.
Develop networks.
Implement personal support techniques and processes.

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
By discussing resource management change processes at meetings, or formally in writing with clients and stakeholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Supporting resource management change processes will require detailed information to be collected, analysed and organised by research and consultation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Resource management change process activities are planned and organised by convening meetings and working individually with clients and stakeholders. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Supporting resource management change processes will require development and management of work teams to achieve outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques relating to data gathering and interpretation can be applied. (2)

Solving problems
While supporting resource management change processes technical, organisational and cultural problems may arise requiring complex solutions. (3)

Using technology
Information gathering and presentation technology may be required. (1)