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 . Collect and assess information 

1.1 Information  is gathered and recorded within specified timeframes and according to organisational procedures.

1.2 Information gathered is checked for accuracy and to ensure it meets relevant work requirements.

1.3 Confidentiality and privacy procedures are followed.

2 . Organise and provide information 

2.1 Information and materials are organised and stored  within established procedures.

2.2 Information is organised for easy access by relevant staff.

2.3 Records maintenance is completed in a manner that is accurate, up-to-date and in a format acceptable to the organisation.

2.4 Security procedures are followed for information storage and retrieval.

2.5 Incoming information and materials within the area of responsibility are sorted and distributed to relevant staff in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures .

2.6 Information is communicated to relevant staff clearly and within appropriate timeframes.

2.7 Information is used to develop options for consideration and action as required.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• establishing and maintaining filing systems
• applying computer technology to data storage, security, retrieval and presentation
• applying information security requirements
• undertaking basic statistical and numerical manipulation
• problem solving and referring problems as required
• communicating with colleagues and supervisors
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of organising workplace information

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to information handling in the public sector, such as confidentiality, privacy, security, freedom of information
• public sector standards
• organisational information handling and storage procedures
• electronic and manual filing systems
• databases and data storage systems
• equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of information management

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:

• PSPBORD305A Calculate taxes, fees and charges
• PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
• PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
• PSPGOV305B Access and use resources and financial systems
• PSPGOV306B Implement change
• PSPGOV308B Work effectively with diversity
• PSPGOV312A Use workplace communication strategies
• PSPGOV313A Compose workplace documents
• PSPIM301A Process claims
• PSPLAND302A Investigate tenure and land use history
• PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
• PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
• PSPPROC302A Undertake basic procurement
• PSPREG301A Undertake routine inspections and monitoring
• PSPSCI301A Assist with scientific technical support

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 Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
• organisation of workplace information in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to information in the public sector
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when organising workplace information

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 organising workplace information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• organisation of workplace information 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:

• demonstration
• observation
• portfolios
• projects
• questioning
• scenarios
• simulation or role plays
• 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.

Information  is:

• specified by the work of the organisation and may include:

• basic numerical and statistical data
• legislative, organisation, and policy requirements
• client data
• registries and file records
• library materials
• financial records
• mail
• human resources records
• asset details
• meta-data

Storage  of information may include:

• systems which are internal and external to the organisation
• manual and computer files
• databases
• information systems
• records management systems
• web sites

Legislation , policy and procedures  may include:

• Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, standards and guidelines especially relating to privacy, confidentiality, freedom of information, security, fraud control, copyright, intellectual property
• government policy
• public sector code of ethics
• Australian standards such as records management, knowledge management, risk management
• the organisation's policies and practices
• organisational code of conduct