Unit of competency details

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DEF12V2

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DEF12V1

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Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify/locate sources for potential stories 

1.1 Up-to-date material about Defence issues and current affairs is obtained from a wide variety of sources, read and analysed.

1.2 A network  of contacts is maintained and engaged regularly.

1.3 A library of professional publications is maintained.

1.4 Trends in reader interests are identified and recorded.

1.5 Information is assessed for newsworthiness  and likely reader appeal.

2. Identify relevant public affairs objectives 

2.1 Public affairs objectives  and constraints are identified and factored into planning.

2.2 Client needs are identified and factored into planning.

3. Establish likely story ‘angle’ 

3.1 Relevant factors affecting research for stories are identified.

3.2 An approach to the potential story is identified and clearance is obtained from the supervisor.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• establish useful networks
• research
• sources, reads and critically evaluates background information
• makes notes from spoken and written sources
• command of language structures, registers, vocabulary and idiom required in conversational exchanges
• transcribes material accurately from oral to written text
• revises own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness

Required Knowledge 

• readers’ and organisational interests
• the publication’s definition of news
• the types of stories used in Defence publications
• constraints on using information (eg security requirements, conditions on reporting sensitive issues)
• defence issues
• current affairs issues
• a variety of writing genres
• the standard operating procedures of relevant public affairs organisations which influence parent organisation
• ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of Defence public affairs organisations
• Defence News Editorial Board guidelines
• Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics
• relevant legislation

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to identify information that is newsworthy and suitable for Defence publications, through personal initiative or following direction from the editor or sub editor. Consequently the reporter must demonstrate an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues and apply communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated environments by identifying a variety of Defence stories through various sources and networks.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an office and under operational conditions, or in a simulated environment. Simulation should re-create realistic office and operational scenarios in a wide range of situations that may be encountered by the Defence reporter and should cover all of the critical aspects of evidence.

Practical assessment should be supported by targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to local and national newspapers and professional publications.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Network  may include:

• Contacts within and external to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who can supply information on events or initiatives of interest to readers of Defence publications

Newsworthiness  may include:

• Information likely to appeal to readers because it is topical, different, unique or relevant to them

Public affairs objectives  may include:

• Defence and ADF internal communications objectives
• The reasons why internal clients (such as commanders, headquarters or policy areas) want information communicated through Defence publications
• Publication objectives for communicating information

Story angle  refers to

• Stories being approached from a technical, generalist, niche audience or other perspective

Co-requisite Unit /s 

DEFEQ001B Work with equity and diversity