Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 . Hypothesise fraud and corruption situations 

1.1 Hypotheses are formulated and guidelines specified for input into information system design.

1.2 Data and information is collected from a variety of sources and methods  including fraud/corruption records, audit records, fraud/corruption risk  assessment, past investigations and other organisations.

1.3 Hypothetical fraud and corruption situations are used to identify new potential risk areas.

2 . Initiate projects to test newly identified risk areas 

2.1 New projects  are initiated and parameters defined in accordance with fraud/corruption control plan.

2.2 Significance and value of the project are justified and are consistent with the fraud/corruption control strategy and plan and strategy.

2.3 Previous and ongoing activities in the relevant areas are reviewed for their contributions to the outcomes of the project.

2.4 Project activities are designed utilising current knowledge, methods and techniques for the identification of risks.

3 . Analyse trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations 

3.1 All project and investigation outcomes are reviewed to identify emerging patterns of behaviour reflected in data.

3.2 Conclusions are drawn from data and statistical information as well as qualitative sources including information gathered and reports from previous investigations.

3.3 Risks and strengths are identified as a result of a project's analysis of trends inside and outside the organisation.

3.4 Discussion with colleagues and other experienced organisational staff is used as additional source of information on trends.

3.5 Networks are used to provide useful contacts and information for investigation in accordance with legislative requirements. 

3.6 Performance reports are produced which identify trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations.

4 . Recommend course /s of action 

4.1 All relevant elements are considered during evaluation , prior to recommending course of action .

4.2 Investigation targets are identified, and suggestions for future areas of investigation are referred to management.

4.3 Recommendations  are made for changes to organisational controls and initiatives to target potential trouble spots.

4.4 Data is checked for reliability, and practical recommendations are made providing management with feasible options.

4.5 Management issues and concerns are balanced against public interest and political concerns when framing recommendations.

4.6 Recommendations are made that balance operational demands against contributions to strategic plan.

5 . Provide information on recommended actions 

5.1 Reports are provided containing suggestions for actions and sufficient supporting information for management to adequately resource future projects.

5.2 Advice is provided regarding appropriate controls and initiatives required to address fraud and corruption.

5.3 Operational briefings and other presentations are prepared and given as required.

5.4 Ad hoc opportunities to explain operational risks are taken advantage of, as they arise.

5.5 Information is given in terms that clearly explain the nature of possible risk, with possible solutions outlined.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• analysing trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations
• hypothesising fraud and corruption situations
• using a range of communication and negotiation styles to suit different audiences and purposes
• undertaking the timely detection of fraud and corruption and the identification of fraud and corruption trends
• effectively utilising staff and other personnel in the investigation of trends
• explaining complex concepts and recommendations relating to risk control
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of fraud and corruption anticipation and detection

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• agency structure and core business activities
• legislation, policies and procedures relating to anticipation and detection of fraud and corruption activities, including privacy and confidentiality requirements
• agency procedures relating to public interest disclosures, protected disclosures or whistleblowing legislation
• fraud and corruption and how they relate to the specific functions and activities of the organisation, together with an understanding of ethical standards required by the organisation of its staff, contractors and suppliers
• jurisdictional fraud and corruption control requirements
• agency fraud/corruption control plan
• internal and external reporting guidelines
• best practice initiatives in fraud and corruption control
• anti-discrimination and diversity legislation

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.

Units to be assessed together 

• Pre-requisite units that must  be achieved prior  to this unit:Nil
• Co-requisite units that must  be assessed with  this unit:Nil
• Co-assessed units that may  be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

• PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
• PSPFRAU504B Conduct fraud risk assessments
• PSPFRAU505B Develop fraud control plans
• PSPGOV502B Develop client services
• PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
• PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPREG502A Coordinate investigation processes

Overview of evidence requirements 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
• detection of possible fraud and corruption activity in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, policy and procedures relating to fraud and corruption control, including privacy and confidentiality requirements
• methods for anticipating and detecting possible fraud and corruption activity
• fraud and corruption control guidelines
• fraud investigation standards
• agency procedures relating to public interest disclosures, protected disclosures or whistleblowing legislation
• public sector values and codes of conduct
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of fraud and corruption situations likely to be encountered

Where and how to assess evidence 

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when anticipating and detecting possible fraud and corruption activity, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• detection of possible fraud and corruption activity in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

• people with disabilities
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• women
• young people
• older people
• people in rural and remote locations

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:

• case studies
• portfolios
• projects
• questioning
• scenarios
• authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

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

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.

Methods  used to anticipate or detect possible fraud and corruption may include:

• the analysis of information about fraud and corruption received in the agency
• the analysis of information about fraud and corruption compiled by an external agency
• analysis of fraud and corruption cases reported and/or investigated
• analysis of data matching across program areas
• incidence of and reasons for any discrepancy
• analysis of other/similar agency risks and trends, both national and international

Identification of risks  may come from:

• analysis of trends in data
• analysis of information coming from inside or outside the agency

Projects  may include:

• large data matching/analysis exercises
• information gathering operations
• targeting particular types of fraud and corruption
• targeting new or changed operations within the agency
• targeting specific areas identified from larger scale trend analysis
• testing program methodology
• targeting specific groups in agency programs
• researching
• surveying

Legislative requirements  may include:

• privacy
• confidentiality

Evaluation criteria  may include: 

• political implications of fraud and corruption control and their impact on government policy
• public interest factors
• revenue limitations
• strategic direction and organisational values of the agency
• the variety of agency functions in which fraud and corruption may occur
• changes to agency operations
• information gathering or accessing powers and limitations
• various sources of information or data
• likely outcome
• workloads
• application of privacy and confidentiality provisions

Actions  may include:

• the preparation of operational briefing material
• initiation of a particular investigation
• recommendation for legislative change
• administrative change
• changes to agency policy and procedures
• review of position descriptions or organisational structure
• improved awareness through education
• referral to another agency
• seeking opinion from prosecution agencies

Recommendations  may include:

• staffing issues
• cultural change
• fraud and corruption controls