Assessor Resource

CSCORG605A
Research issues of concern in correctional services

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to applicants with general management competencies from a range of occupational areas.

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to provide essential advice in the investigation, review and evaluation of matters for social and organisational policy development and decision making, relevant to current and foreseeable issues in correctional services.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to CSCORG021A Research issues of concern in correctional services.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable

Co-Requisites

Not applicable

Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment 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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

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

ability to research issues and concerns within a correctional setting in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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 by an individual responsible for researching issues, and gathering, analysing, organising and presenting information on issues of concern in correctional services as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to research within the organisation

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

completion of a work-based research project.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Required skills:

applying a range of research strategies relevant to the nature of the research

effective consultation with a relevant range of key people

analysing complex data

literacy, language and written presentation skills for formal report writing

personal time management

using a wide range of consultation methods

negotiating with a wide range of known and unknown stakeholders

negotiating with senior management and specialist professionals

complex written and verbal communication

interpreting data and information

complex problem solving

use of information technology

networking inside and outside the workplace

cross-cultural awareness and communication.

Required knowledge:

agency, organisation and legislative requirements, policies, procedures and practice

organisation's consultation, reporting and accountability systems and processes

current and suitable research methodologies

consultation models, protocol and practice

manual and electronic information systems

relevant professional code of ethics

report presentation

cultural implications of research methods and the cultural analysis of information.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

The contexts for undertaking research for specific purposes may include:

preparation of a range of organisational information for policy development, strategic planning, marketing and promoting services, and planning new services

reviewing existing services and providing advice to management

responsibility for research specific to a service, its clients, interests and relationship within the wider system

research into the interests of the criminal justice system or correctional services.

Key people may include:

within the organisation or department

in other services, agencies or departments

in the education or training field

other researchers

management

industry representatives

community leaders

colleagues

offenders

service and department clients.

Relevant information sources should include:

personal contact

paper-based and electronic, including internet

internal and external documents

databases

resource material.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Select research strategies that are suitable for the requirements of the research and the available resources. 
Use a combination of research methods that contribute to the validity and reliability of the outcomes. 
Select research strategies with consideration to consultation and support from key people. 
Identify all relevant information sources and use effective methods to collect information. 
Design materials and aids needed to conduct research appropriate to the selected methodology. 
Collect information in the determined timeframe and methods, and record and store it according to negotiations with the source and information management requirements. 
Identify and consult a representative range of people and groups with an interest in the issues. 
Check information for accuracy and address the need for further information with effective follow up. 
Ensure that the consultation purpose, methods and activities comply with agreed practices and protocol of the organisation and other interested agencies. 
Consider and incorporate the comments and views of all interests consulted where relevant and justified by the research. 
Organise information in a form that lends itself to analysis and is suitable for the purpose of the research. 
Check information with other available research. 
Confirm data and information with those who provided it and report clearly and comprehensively. 
Confirm that identified patterns, observations and explanations are justified by the information and the context. 
Ensure that the conceptual framework of the analysis and the assumptions are clear to those being consulted and in reporting. 
Prepare reports that include complete and accurate details of the research methodology, information and analysis. 
Conduct piloting and testing of research to validate the research findings using a range of feedback from key people and a range of different processes. 
Document the research findings in an accessible and useable style and format. 
Ensure that the results of the research are reported and made available to key people with an interest in the issues researched. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CSCORG605A - Research issues of concern in correctional services
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CSCORG605A - Research issues of concern in correctional services

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: