Assessor Resource

LGAGOVA405A
Implement debt recovery procedures

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 within which councils must operate 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 covers recommendations on action to be taken to recover or write off debts.

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

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

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 knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Selection of debt recovery method is based on council policy and capacity to pay.

Accurate reporting of debt recovery is in line with council requirements.

Implementation of appropriate debt recovery action is timely.

Follow up is timely.

Special arrangement agreements are maintained and reviewed.

Context of assessment

Selection of debt recovery method is based on council policy and capacity to pay.

Accurate reporting of debt recovery is in line with council requirements.

Implementation of appropriate debt recovery action is timely.

Follow up is timely.

Special arrangement agreements are maintained and reviewed.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

Prerequisite units: nil.

Co-requisite units: nil.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

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

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

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

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

This unit should be assessed over a period of time and across a range of variables including end of year arrears reports.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that covers key aspects of debt recovery process including:

resources on debt recovery methods

council policy and procedures

legal principles, requirements and processes.

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

negotiation

conflict resolution

report writing

analytical

research and information gathering

assessment of individual circumstances

word processing.

Required Knowledge

council policy and procedures in relation to debt recovery

debtors systems

debt recovery methods (internal and those of an external agency)

civil claims legislation

local government legislation relating to debt recovery

rates, fees and charges

defamation legislation

law of torts: negligence, harassment and trespass.

Hidden text

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.

Debts may include:

rates

fines

valid accounts issued for provision of goods and services.

Relevant customer details may include:

correct name, address and telephone number

other contact details.

Negotiate may include:

take initiatives

provide support reasons

consider suggestions of others

respond appropriately.

Information regarding debtors may include:

current address

financial situation

history of payment

responsibility for debt

status of debt (current or non current)

status of creditor (secured or unsecured).

Accessing information may include:

advertising in local media

council business papers

information proffered

questioning other people

electronic or hard copy white and yellow pages

land titles office

electoral rolls

company searches

property inspections and visits.

Changes in debtor circumstance may include:

changes due to government policy, particularly in relation to pensions.

Assess value against cost may include:

minimum amount warranting legal action for recovery.

Other notices may include:

reminder notices

final notices

notices prior to legal action

notices of legal action

follow up notices

summons

writs.

Documenting agreements may include:

diarising

notes

memos

formal agreements.

Appropriate action may include:

abandonments

writing off

sale of land for unpaid rates

payment by special arrangement

court action

involving an outside debt recovery agency

involving an outside printing or mailing house

issuing summons

issuing judgements

issuing writs

garnishee

tracing owners

in-house debt recovery

rent for rates against tenants.

Hidden text

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
Information regarding whereabouts and individual circumstances of debtors is accessed in line with council procedures and legislative provisions. 
All relevant customer details are confirmed. 
Special arrangements for payment of debt are negotiated with debtors where possible to maximise probability of recovery of debt. 
Agreements are documented, followed up and renegotiated as necessary. 
Agreements are reviewed as necessary to take into account changes in debtor circumstances. 
Reported bad debts are analysed to determine appropriate debt recovery method. 
Value of bad debt is assessed against potential cost and likelihood of recovery. 
Appropriate action is recommended based on council policy and capacity to pay. 
Doubtful debts are provided for at end of year, backed up by evidence. 
Proceedings are instigated within delegated authority and in accordance with council policy and procedures and legislative requirements. 
Disclaimers are included on rates notices as appropriate. 
Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within time frame. 
Annual timetable is prepared for the issue of instalment and other notices. 
Reports on debt recovery performance are submitted in accordance with Council requirements. 
Style of report is consistent with purpose and intended audience. 
Recommendations on policy changes and new policy development are made based on legislative requirements and improved debt recovery practices. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGAGOVA405A - Implement debt recovery procedures
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

LGAGOVA405A - Implement debt recovery procedures

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: