Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
3 |
PSP12V1 |
Elements and performance criteria pre-content edited. |
2 |
PSP04V4.2 |
Layout adjusted. No changes to content. |
1 |
PSP04V4.1 |
Primary release. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the ability to manage witnesses attending court to give evidence face-to-face or via closed-circuit television. It includes facilitating witness court appearances and maintaining the integrity of court proceedings in a remote witness room.
In practice, managing witnesses may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities, such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, delivering client services and applying government processes.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Application of the Unit
The task of managing witnesses may be performed in a court, remote witness room or via closed-circuit television and will be undertaken by authorised court officials.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Facilitate court appearances of witnesses. |
1.1. Presence of witnesses in the courtroom is permitted in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements for the type of proceedings. 1.2. Witnesses are identified, and their details provided to the court and recorded according to organisational policy and practices and legislative requirements. 1.3. Non-appearance of witnesses is reported to the court according to court procedures. 1.4. Witnesses are called, escorted to witness box and swearing in takes place, if required, in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements for the type of proceedings. 1.5. Witnesses who are apprehensive of giving evidence in front of an accused are provided with appropriate screening or videolink where this is available, at the direction of the presiding official and according to organisational procedures. 1.6. Administrative duties relating to witness appearances are completed according to organisational policy, procedures and timelines. |
2. Maintain the integrity of court proceedings in a remote witness room. |
2.1. Witness room is prepared and equipment checked to ensure it is fully operational. 2.2. Witness and other personnel authorised to be present are positioned according to organisational procedures so they are visible to the court, and those permitted to speak can be clearly heard. 2.3. Security of witnesses, witness rooms and exhibits is maintained at all times and any attempted security breach is immediately reported to the court according to standard operating procedures. 2.4. Functions in the witness room are performed according to set role , standard operating procedures and legislative requirements. 2.5. At the end of the evidence and examination, witnesses are delivered into the care of a responsible person and exhibits are returned in accordance with standard operating procedures and legislative requirements. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated by managing witnesses in a range of settings over time. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must comply with:
Access may be required to:
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Guidance information for assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate. |
Range Statement
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Witness details provided may be: |
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Swearing in may include: |
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Screening may include: |
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Administrative duties may include: |
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Witness room may include: |
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Other personnel in witness room may include: |
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Set role may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Courts.