Assessor Resource

PSPGOV418A
Develop internal and external networks

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the development and maintenance of effective workplace relationships and networks. It includes developing and maintaining networks, establishing and maintaining working relationships, and representing and promoting the organisation.

In practice, developing internal and external networks may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc.

The unit has drawn from and is equivalent to the Business Services unit BSBCMN403A Establish business networks.

This unit is one of 3 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with networks. Related units are:

PSPGOV303B Build and maintain internal networks

PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks

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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV408A Value diversity

PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict

PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

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

internal and external networks developed in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the public sector

organisational and inter-agency structures and protocols

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of networking opportunities likely to be encountered

Where and how to assess evidence

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 when developing internal and external networks, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

internal and external networks developed in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence 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

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.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to networking in the public sector

demonstrating leadership to gain the trust and confidence of clients and colleagues

using a range of communication strategies including giving and receiving feedback, reporting, maintaining effective relationships and managing conflict

using problem solving and negotiation to manage contingencies and achieve mutually acceptable outcomes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

reading and understanding a variety of texts

preparing general information and papers according to target audiences

proofreading and editing to ensure clarity of meaning and conformity to organisational requirements, checking for accuracy and consistency of information

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of internal and external networking

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the public sector environment

organisational policies, plans and procedures

principles and operations of networks

principles of effective communication in relation to listening, questioning and non-verbal communication

techniques for building relationships of trust including those with people from different cultures

techniques for facilitating mutually acceptable outcomes

methods and techniques to prepare and present information to promote the organisation

related organisations, agencies and networks

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of networking

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Networks may include:

formal or informal networks

circulation lists

e-networks

bulletin boards

virtual communities

mailing lists

Professional networks and associations may include:

work team

suppliers

other organisations

committees

internal/external customers

government agencies

professional/occupational associations

project specific ad hoc consultative/reference groups

advisory committees

lobby groups

local inter-agency groups

specific interest or support groups

Network strategies may include:

conference participation

seminar attendance

association memberships

regular contact maintenance

individual marketing

distribution of materials

Key stakeholders may include:

officers from other government organisations

Ministerial advisers

community members

council members

industry representatives

professional associations

international public sector staff

international associations

Negotiation may include:

assertiveness

collaboration

solution designing

confidence building

conflict reduction

stress management

mediation

empathising

Requirements may be found in:

quality assurance and/or procedures manuals

organisational intranet

goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

organisational policy/guidelines and requirements

access and equity principles and practice

public sector ethical standards

occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

defined resource parameters

marketing plans

Strategies to promote the organisation may include:

attendance/speaking at meetings, seminars, conferences

explanation of mission, goals and objectives in ways suited to the diversity of the audience

modelling ethical and professional behaviour

Feedback may include:

accuracy and sufficiency of information

benefits to organisation

impact of message

use of media

appropriateness of audience

participation of other agencies

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
Networking opportunities are identified and pursued to maximise a range of personal industry contacts. 
Information regarding new network opportunities is communicated to inform colleagues and managers of the potential benefits to the organisation of involvement. 
The level of usefulness of existing networks is assessed against current involvement, and adjustments are made to improve or downgrade relationships. 
Participation is maintained in professional networks and associations to obtain and maintain personal knowledge and skills. 
Network strategies are used to establish and maintain working relationships that promote benefits consistent with organisational objectives. 
Trust and confidence of key stakeholders is gained and maintained through high standards of ethical practice. 
Negotiation and collaborative problem solving are used to achieve positive outcomes when difficult situations arise. 
Formal and informal communication channels are established and maintained to exchange information and ideas in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures. 
Networking is built in to professional and organisational planning regimes to maximise its usefulness to the organisation. 
The organisation's interests and requirements are represented and promoted using a range of strategies tailored to diverse participants in the networks. 
Information on organisational issues, policies and practices authorised for public presentation is provided orally and in writing in accordance with network requirements. 
Feedback is obtained from stakeholders to identify and develop ways to improve promotional activities within available resources. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPGOV418A - Develop internal and external networks
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

PSPGOV418A - Develop internal and external networks

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: