Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
3 |
PSP12V1 |
Unit descriptor edited. |
2 |
PSP04V4.2 |
Layout adjusted. No changes to content. |
1 |
PSP04V4.1 |
Primary release. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the responsibility of those in public service to model and encourage in others the highest standards of ethical conduct. It includes promoting ethical standards, assisting staff to avoid conflicts of interest, and modelling and fostering integrity of conduct.
In practice, ethical conduct is demonstrated in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as developing client services, coordinating financial resources, providing human resource services, conducting investigations, letting contracts etc.
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 . Promote ethical standards |
1.1 Interpretation of ethical standards is discussed with senior staff to ensure common understanding of requirements 1.2 The ethical obligations of public service and the consequences of unethical conduct are explained to others in a manner suited to their levels of understanding, experience and specific needs 1.3 Conduct of self and others is assessed against ethics standards, legislation and guidelines , and feedback or assistance is timely, constructive, and consistent 1.4 Impartial, culturally and politically neutral advice is provided in accordance with organisational procedures 1.5 Resolution and/or referral of ethical problems identified in dealings with staff and the public are used as learning opportunities within the workgroup without compromising privacy and confidentiality considerations |
2 . Assist staff to avoid conflicts of interest |
2.1 Conflict of interest requirements are explained to staff using language and supporting material suitable to their needs and the situations they are likely to experience 2.2 Matters involving competing interests or conflicting views on appropriate action are discussed with staff, and resolved or referred in accordance with policy and guidelines |
3 . Model and foster integrity of conduct |
3.1 Personal work practices are used to provide a consistent example of desired ethical conduct, and staff/team values are developed through collaboration and leadership 3.2 Ethical, lawful and reasonable directions are provided to staff, and protection is provided from reprisals for refusing others' directions to act unethically 3.3 The principles of procedural fairness are modelled and explained to others using strategies and language suited to their levels of understanding, experience and specific needs 3.4 Decision making which upholds ethical standards is used, promoted and explained to others 3.5 The risk of unethical conduct is assessed in accordance with organisational guidelines, and changes to policies or practices are recommended to improve outcomes 3.6 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 |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level , required for this unit . |
Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:
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Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
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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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Consequences of unethical behaviour may include: |
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Ethics standards may include: |
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Legislation and guidelines may include: |
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Referrals of ethical problems may be made to: |
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Ethical problems which may need to be referred rather than resolved at this leve l may include: |
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Conflicts of interest may include: |
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Principles of procedural fairness may include: |
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Unethical conduct may include: |
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Actions relating to the reporting of unethical conduct may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Ethics and Accountability