Assessor Resource

DEFCM117C
Perform the duties of a unit discipline officer

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit is applicable to ADF members who may potentially be appointed as unit discipline officers by virtue of their rank.

This unit covers the competency required to undertake the duties and responsibilities of a unit discipline officer in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under the Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA).

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.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



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.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

provide advice that is relevant and appropriate to the circumstances.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations that could be expected in the workplace.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

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

Required Skills

communicate effectively orally (question, conduct briefings, respond to questioning, listen, reflect)

conduct interviews

determine jurisdiction

display empathy and build rapport with colleagues and stakeholders

interpret body language

locate relevant information in relevant references

make sound judgements

select a punishment appropriate to the circumstances and to the severity of the charge

Required Knowledge

ADF publications

appeal and petition

Defence Instructions

discipline officer appointment

election

infringement considerations

jurisdiction

procedures

scale of punishments

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.

Jurisdiction may include:

appointment of the discipline officer by the commanding officer (CO) of the Defence member (including those attached to the unit)

defence member having been given an infringement notice

defence member having elected to be heard by discipline officer (and not withdrawn the election at any stage)

defence member not being charged with a service offence for the same act or omission that is alleged to constitute the infringement

discipline officer not being biased or having any other conflict of interest

discipline officer not having issued the infringement notice

infringement being within appointment to deal with (Form 70)

only dealing with infringements for ranks up to and including non-commissioned officer (NCO), warrant officer (WO) or for officer ranks up to and including captain or equivalent

rank difference requirements

Disciplinary infringements may include:

absence from duty

absence without leave (where the absence is for a period not exceeding three hours)

disobedience of a lawful command

failure to comply with lawful general order

irregularities on guard or on watch

negligent performance of duty

prejudicial conduct

Organisational policies may include:

Discipline Law Manual

Hearings may include:

amending the following on the infringement notice:

member details

infringement particulars

conducting hearing in accordance with the five day timeframe (discovery to punishment)

defendant calling witnesses or offering witness statements in mitigation (statements are not retained after the hearing)

request for an adjournment for the defendant to seek advice as to his or her rights

request for an adjournment to secure the attendance of witnesses in mitigation or to obtain statements in mitigation

questioning the defendant

Punishments may include:

officer, warrant officer and NCO scale:

fine not exceeding the amount of the member’s pay for one day

reprimand

other rank scale:

fine not exceeding the amount of the member’s pay for one day

restriction of privileges for a period not exceeding two days

stoppage of leave for a period not exceeding three days

extra duties for a period not exceeding three days

extra drill for not more than two sessions of 30 minutes each per day for a period not exceeding three days

reprimand

Post-hearing actions may include:

destroying infringement notices after twelve months from date of election or action by the discipline officer, whichever is latest

making unit infringement register available to unit CO on a monthly basis

monthly reports, including nil returns

updating the unit infringement register by placing heard infringement notices on it, together with character references and mitigation statements

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
Appointment to act as a unit discipline officer under the DFDA is received and interpreted. 
Jurisdiction is confirmed for a disciplinary infringement, in accordance with organisational policies. 
Unit discipline officer hearings are conducted in accordance with organisational policies. 
Punishments are imposed in accordance with organisational policies. 
Infringement notices are completed. 
Post-hearing actions are conducted accordance with organisational policies. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCM117C - Perform the duties of a unit discipline officer
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

DEFCM117C - Perform the duties of a unit discipline officer

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: