Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
3 |
PSP12V1 |
Unit descriptor edited. Evidence guide edited. |
2 |
PSP04V4.2 |
Layout adjusted. No changes to content. |
1 |
PSP04V4.1 |
Primary release. |
Unit Descriptor
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.
Application of the Unit
This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for applying ethical conduct and accountability required in those working in government employment.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency. |
Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in bold italics is explained in the Range Statement following. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
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. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
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Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Units to be assessed together |
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Overview of evidence requirements |
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
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Resources required to carry out assessment |
These resources include:
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Where and how to assess evidence |
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
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:
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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 |
Range Statement
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. |
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Ethical conduct includes: |
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Professionalism may include: |
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Complex ethical problems may include: |
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Actions relating to the reporting of unethical conduct may include: |
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Unethical conduct may include: |
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Conflicts of interest may include: |
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Organisational processes may include: |
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Procedural fairness may include: |
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Legislation policy and guidelines may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Ethics and Accountability.