Assessor Resource

LGAGCM701A
Govern councils

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations that provide the boundaries for the operation of councils is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government, directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities must be appropriately reflected.

This unit may also be contextualised to other public or private sectors as long as the essential outcomes of the unit are not changed.

This unit covers the outcomes required to ensure high levels of governance in a complex environment and includes the management of processes and structures to ensure public accountability, ethical behaviour, high quality performance, transparency and statutory compliance.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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.

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. The candidate will demonstrate the capacity to provide leadership and good governance within councils and adherence to all legislative requirements.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in:

local government governance principles and their application

ethical business practice

researching and applying best practice to governance processes

defining and implementing effective management strategies to support good governance, including reporting and accountability structures

Context of assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken with the context of the Local Government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the range of variables applicable to the workplace environment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

preparation of a major workplace project report/portfolio (that may incorporate assessment of related units) as a key form of assessment that enables candidates to integrate the learning and assessment project into their regular work responsibilities, which enables integrated and holistic assessment of the complex skills and knowledge addressed in this unit

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies

written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioner

completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

relevant council documents, such as strategic and operational plans and good governance guides

relevant local government legislation and regulations

exemplars of good governance practices and policies

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

high-level leadership and management skills

research and analytical skills

high-level written and oral communication skills

high-level problem solving skills

planning and organisational skills

ability to apply governance models to the operations of a specific council

self reflection, including the ability and willingness to respond to the level of accountability and responsibility of personal role

Required Knowledge

detailed and demonstrated knowledge of legislation impacting councils, including Local Government Act

detailed and demonstrated knowledge of council decision-making practices

knowledge of governance processes and models

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.

Governance review bodies may include:

externally sourced panels of experts, community members and industry leaders

board of directors

properly constituted council committees

Best practice research includes reviewing:

governance policies and practices of other councils in areas, such as:

ethical, accountable and transparent management and operations

occupational health and safety

industrial relations

managing diversity

environmental protection

ecologically sustainable development

risk management

governance policies and programs developed and promoted by local government industry associations

relevant governance policies and practices developed and promoted in other public and private sector organisations locally and overseas

Governance principles and practices include policy and process associated with:

role relationships between elected members and council officers, including levels of delegation and separation of powers

roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of elected members, including management of conflict of interest

roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of council employees, including reporting and performance monitoring

level of and processes for community consultation and participation in the policy development and program delivery of council

policies and processes for setting strategic directions for council and its community

values, policies and practices put in place to ensure ethical, accountable and transparent operation of the council at all levels

Resources for council may include:

induction programs for new councillors

training and development

legislation and relevant support documentation

Information sharing and communication may include:

websites

newsletters and bulletins

notices in local press

annual reports

community consultation

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
Legislative framework within which council operates is identified to ensure compliance. 
Actions or proposed actions which would expose council to issues of non-compliance are identified and appropriate action is taken to avoid non-compliance. 
Provisions of legislation that constrain the behaviour of individuals acting within and on behalf of council are examined and communicated to staff. 
Governance reviews or audits are contributed to, and action is taken with regard to opportunities for policy or process improvement or any reported areas of non-compliance. 
Best practice in local government policies is researched and used to inform council's governance principles and practices. 
Strategies for undertaking regular reviews of council processes, including benchmarking against other councils are developed and implemented. 
Effective and efficient policies and processes which achieve council outcomes are designed and implemented. 
Roles and responsibilities of elected members and management are defined and communicated. 
Council and councillors are provided with resources necessary to fulfil their governance duties and responsibilities effectively. 
Support structures are developed and implemented to assist council to achieve its objectives and responsibilities. 
Consultative processes are implemented and maintained to ensure information on community needs and expectations is gathered and considered. 
Accountability to the community and within the council is maintained using effective reporting processes. 
Effective and ongoing relationships with other levels of government, regional bodies and other councils are established and maintained. 
Management reports are accurately completed and submitted in accordance with council's statutory requirements. 
Relevant information to support the development of council's statutory business plan is supplied as required. 
Relevant declaration of interests, including potential conflicts of interest, is made as required using standard organisational procedures. 
Relevant data detailing performance against targets is supplied as required for inclusion in regular performance reports presented to council. 
Contribution is made to effective information sharing and communication between council and the community. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGAGCM701A - Govern councils
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

LGAGCM701A - Govern councils

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: