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 . Apply knowledge of organisational linkages 

1.1 Organisational linkages  between government organisations and with quasi-government organisations and non-government organisations are identified and regularly reassessed to maintain currency of information.

1.2 Decisions, advice and actions are taken making effective use of a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of these organisational linkages.

2 . Apply knowledge of inter-governmental linkages 

2.1 Linkages between governments  are identified and regularly reassessed to maintain currency of information.

2.2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the linkages between governments is used in taking decisions, advice and actions.

3 . Apply knowledge of political context 

3.1 Information is sourced from inside and outside the organisation, and its authenticity and reliability confirmed.

3.2 An analysis of the political , social and economic environment is undertaken that takes into account emerging trends, and current and possible future goals of the organisation.

3.3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the current political environment is reflected in decisions, advice and actions taken.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• locating, accessing and authenticating information
• acquiring, retaining, recalling and communicating information
• applying information and protocols
• discarding redundant information/version control
• dealing with ambiguity and machinery of government changes
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying workplace safety procedures in the context of work in the public sector

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• organisations in the public and private sector
• public sector policy, legislation, regulations, guidelines, practices
• ethical standards
• governance practices
• systems thinking
• inter-organisational communications strategies/protocols
• organisational and public sector power structures and sources of power
• equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment and sustainability in the context of applying knowledge of government systems

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:

• PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
• PSPFIN603A Develop public sector financial strategies
• PSPFRAU601B Develop fraud control strategy
• PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks
• PSPGOV603B Develop a tender submission response
• PSPHR621A Manage organisational design strategies
• PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPMNGT606B Manage quality client service
• PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies
• PSPPM601B Direct complex project activities
• PSPPROC602B Direct the management of contracts
• PSPSEC602A Manage security awareness

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
• application of knowledge of government systems in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) that may include generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, developing financial strategies, managing regulatory compliance, directing contracts etc

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• public sector legislation and regulations relating to the work area
• organisational structures, procedures and protocols
• machinery of government information
• communication technology
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying government systems

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 applying government systems, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• application of knowledge of government systems in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) such as generalist or specialist work activities such as managing client services, managing financial resources, providing strategic human resource services, managing regulatory compliance, directing contracts etc

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.

Organisational linkages  may include performance partnerships between:

• government and
• government organisations and
• quasi-government organisations and
• non-government organisations

Inter -governmental linkages  may include those between:

• international governments and
• Australian Federal Government and
• State and Territory Governments and
• Local Governments

Political  environment may include:

• political parties and policies
• political evolution and reform
• political powers, processes and activities
• community organisations, lobby groups and other interested parties
• world/regional politics, pacts and agreements
• internal politics of an organisation