- PSPPA601A - Manage public affairs
Assessor Resource
PSPPA601A
Manage public affairs
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
Not applicable.
This unit covers management of public affairs including crisis management and high-profile events. It includes contributing to public affairs scope and direction, planning and managing a public affairs program, developing crisis management communication strategies, and handling high-profile events.
In practice, managing public affairs may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity, using complex communication strategies, providing leadership, etc.
This is a new unit of competency, added to the Public Affairs Competency field of the Training Package in 2004.
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: PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service PSPGOV601B Apply government systems PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity PSPMNGT608B Manage risk PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety |
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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework) managing public affairs 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 public affairs examples of crisis situations and high-profile events case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when managing public affairs |
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 managing public affairs, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine managing public affairs 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 public affairs planning and setting objectives undertaking strategy development establishing and maintaining relationships inside and outside the organisation communication including consulting, negotiating and liaising with diverse groups responding to diversity, including gender and disability applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and the environment in the context of public affairs |
Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of: legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to public affairs public affairs capability and how this relates to organisational objectives event management requirements of crisis management communication strategies equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and the environment in the context of public affairs |
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. | |
Environmental scan may include: | corporate strategy strategic and operational objectives range of products and services operating environment previous public affairs programs and their effectiveness |
Resourcing may include: | human resources financial resources physical resources such as equipment outsourced expertise contingency provisions |
Specialist knowledge and guidance may include: | legal aspects technical aspects security industrial relations management occupational health and safety emergency management |
Individuals and groups may include: | Minister's office police emergency services employees clients media public |
Post-crisis communication strategies may include: | cooperation with investigators debriefing employees thanking organisations and individuals who assisted in the crisis information on changes to prevent or avoid the crisis recurring strategies to re-build the organisation's image |
High-profile events may include | special events unforeseen incidents disasters times of crisis |
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 |
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An environmental scan is conducted to identify public affairs issues and needs for the organisation. | |||
Target audiences for public affairs action are identified in accordance with organisational requirements. | |||
Public affairs objectives and programs are developed in line with the organisation's business and strategic plans. | |||
Criteria and measures are developed for assessing objectives. | |||
Resourcing requirements are identified and the scope of public affairs activities is negotiated in accordance with organisational priorities and resource constraints. | |||
An operational plan is developed for public affairs to integrate strategies and coordinate communications and activities. | |||
Schedules are developed for communications and activities that are flexible enough to provide for contingencies and emerging issues. | |||
Responsibilities and accountabilities are defined, and reporting requirements and benchmarks are identified for monitoring the program. | |||
Public affairs program is implemented and monitored to ensure progress or to make changes to achieve the program objectives. | |||
Results are evaluated in terms of media coverage, penetration and desired audience response, reasons for variations are identified and changes are made to improve results. | |||
Organisational activities and operations are assessed to identify potential crisis factors and evaluate risk management strategies. | |||
The composition of a crisis communication team is explored and determined in terms of required specialist knowledge and guidance. | |||
Training needs for potential spokespersons are identified and media training is organised in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
Individuals and groups who must be contacted in crisis situations are identified, lines of communication are established and their involvement/role/responsibilities confirmed. | |||
Crisis management action plan is developed and submitted for approval to document crisis management communication strategies and protocols, including post-crisis communication. | |||
Public affairs strategic planning is undertaken for high-profile events in accordance with organisational requirements. | |||
Outside groups, partners, the media and business are involved in sponsoring/supporting special events as required. | |||
Protocol standards are applied and explained to others as required to ensure a positive organisational outcome from high-profile events. | |||
The involvement of managers, staff and government representatives in high-profile events is overseen and supported in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
Speeches and statements for management and other officials are prepared for special events or in times of crisis. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PSPPA601A - Manage public affairs
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Assessment Record Sheet
PSPPA601A - Manage public affairs
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent
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