Unit of competency details

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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 . Build and maintain networks 

1.1 Networking opportunities are identified and pursued to maximise a range of personal industry contacts.

1.2 Information regarding new network  opportunities is communicated to inform colleagues and managers of the potential benefits to the organisation of involvement.

1.3 The level of usefulness of existing networks is assessed against current involvement, and adjustments are made to improve or downgrade relationships.

1.4 Participation is maintained in professional networks and associations  to obtain and maintain personal knowledge and skills.

2 . Establish and maintain working relationships 

2.1 Network strategies  are used to establish and maintain working relationships that promote benefits consistent with organisational objectives.

2.2 Trust and confidence of key stakeholders  is gained and maintained through high standards of ethical practice.

2.3 Negotiation  and collaborative problem solving are used to achieve positive outcomes when difficult situations arise.

2.4 Formal and informal communication channels are established and maintained to exchange information and ideas in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

2.5 Networking is built in to professional and organisational planning regimes to maximise its usefulness to the organisation.

3 . Represent and promote the organisation 

3.1 The organisation's interests and requirements  are represented and promoted using a range of strategies  tailored to diverse participants in the networks.

3.2 Information on organisational issues, policies and practices authorised for public presentation is provided orally and in writing in accordance with network requirements.

3.3 Feedback  is obtained from stakeholders to identify and develop ways to improve promotional activities within available resources.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to networking in the public sector
• demonstrating leadership to gain the trust and confidence of clients and colleagues
• using a range of communication strategies including giving and receiving feedback, reporting, maintaining effective relationships and managing conflict
• using problem solving and negotiation to manage contingencies and achieve mutually acceptable outcomes
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• reading and understanding a variety of texts
• preparing general information and papers according to target audiences
• proofreading and editing to ensure clarity of meaning and conformity to organisational requirements, checking for accuracy and consistency of information
• applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of internal and external networking

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the public sector environment
• organisational policies, plans and procedures
• principles and operations of networks
• principles of effective communication in relation to listening, questioning and non-verbal communication
• techniques for building relationships of trust including those with people from different cultures
• techniques for facilitating mutually acceptable outcomes
• methods and techniques to prepare and present information to promote the organisation
• related organisations, agencies and networks
• equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of networking

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:

• PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
• PSPGOV408A Value diversity
• PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict
• PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
• PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
• PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

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
• internal and external networks developed 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 the public sector
• organisational and inter-agency structures and protocols
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of networking opportunities 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 developing internal and external networks, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• internal and external networks developed 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.

Networks  may include:

• formal or informal networks
• circulation lists
• e-networks
• bulletin boards
• virtual communities
• mailing lists

Professional networks and associations  may include:

• work team
• suppliers
• other organisations
• committees
• internal/external customers
• government agencies
• professional/occupational associations
• project specific ad hoc consultative/reference groups
• advisory committees
• lobby groups
• local inter-agency groups
• specific interest or support groups

Network strategies  may include:

• conference participation
• seminar attendance
• association memberships
• regular contact maintenance
• individual marketing
• distribution of materials

Key stakeholders  may include:

• officers from other government organisations
• Ministerial advisers
• community members
• council members
• industry representatives
• professional associations
• international public sector staff
• international associations

Negotiation  may include:

• assertiveness
• collaboration
• solution designing
• confidence building
• conflict reduction
• stress management
• mediation
• empathising

Requirements  may be found in:

• quality assurance and/or procedures manuals
• organisational intranet
• goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• organisational policy/guidelines and requirements
• access and equity principles and practice
• public sector ethical standards
• occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• defined resource parameters
• marketing plans

Strategies to promote the organisation  may include:

• attendance/speaking at meetings, seminars, conferences
• explanation of mission, goals and objectives in ways suited to the diversity of the audience
• modelling ethical and professional behaviour

Feedback  may include:

• accuracy and sufficiency of information
• benefits to organisation
• impact of message
• use of media
• appropriateness of audience
• participation of other agencies