Assessor Resource

DEFPA007
Develop and implement effective communication strategies

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to Public Affairs Officers within Defence who are required to develop and implement effective communication strategies as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.

The unit requires the application of high level, fully independent, complex judgements with a detailed knowledge of the Defence organisation. It requires analysis of complex data and the production of documents detailing the required outcomes of specialised functions in the public affairs context. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.

This unit covers the competency required to develop and implement effective communication strategies.

It includes developing effective communication skills, facilitating discussions and producing quality written material.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

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:

develop and implement effective communication strategies

use oral and written communication skills

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and should be observed in a range of actual or simulated work contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual develop and implement effective communication strategies. The application of communication ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation are to be observed.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no special 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

write effective workplace documents

deliver effective presentation

communicate information effectively both verbally and in writing

organise and conduct interview and other panels

implement effective group management processes

manage conflict resolution and negotiation

Required Knowledge

Assess cultural communication protocol

Knowledge of different communication styles and techniques

Different interview techniques

Group processes

Interviewing skills

Research skills

Introduction to personal communication evaluation

Written communication

Oral communication

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.

Stakeholders may include:

Individual members of the public

Other organisations, community groups and individuals

Other work areas of the organisation

Written documentation may include:

Minutes of meetings

Complex reports, briefing notes

Proposals, project plans and spreadsheets

Correspondence, formal correspondence

Speeches, journal articles and marketing materials

Instructions, procedures and policies

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
Strategies for internal and external distribution of information are developed, promoted, implemented and reviewed as required to ensure individual and organisational effectiveness is maximised. 
In developing and implementing strategies special communication needs are addressed to avoid discrimination in the workplace. 
Channels of communication are established and reviewed regularly to ensure staff are informed of relevant information in a timely way. 
Coaching in effective communication is provided to staff as required. 
Negotiation and conflict resolution strategies are used where required to promote effective operation of the organisation. 
Issues are negotiated with key stakeholders, clients and staff in a way which leads to a mutually acceptable outcome. 
Relevant work related networks and relationships are maintained as required to ensure client needs and organisational objects are met. 
All communication with stakeholders and colleagues is appropriate to individual needs and the situation and promotes achievement of organisational objectives. 
Mechanisms which enhance effective group interactions are defined and implemented. 
Strategies which encourage all group members to participate are used routinely including seeking and acknowledging contributions from all members. 
Objectives and agendas for meetings and discussions are routinely set and followed. 
Relevant information is provided to groups as appropriate to facilitate outcomes. 
Evaluation of group communication strategies is undertaken to promote ongoing participation of all parties. 
The specific communication needs of individuals are identified and addressed. 
Writing is succinct and clear and is presented in a logical and sequential way which matches the audience and the purpose of the document. 
Organisation guidelines and current accepted standards of writing which match the purpose are followed in producing all written documentation. 
Appropriate and timely advice to management and stakeholders is prepared and provided as required. 
Appropriate structures, timeframes and protocols are mutually agreed and adhered to during formal discussions. 
Due regard to individual differences, needs and rights is shown during the conduct of interviews and formal discussions. 
Feedback and advice is given in a way which reflects current identified good practice. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFPA007 - Develop and implement effective communication strategies
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

DEFPA007 - Develop and implement effective communication strategies

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: