- PSPPA602A - Provide public affairs advisory service
Assessor Resource
PSPPA602A
Provide public affairs advisory service
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
Not applicable.
This unit covers the provision of a public affairs advisory service to management that provides a direct unfiltered link to trends, public opinion and perspectives. It includes advising on sensitive situations, advising on reactions to organisational action and advising on organisational materials.
In practice, provision of a public affairs advisory service 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, persuading and influencing opinion, using strategic networks, 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) provision of a public affairs advisory service 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 case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service |
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 providing a public affairs advisory service, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine provision of a public affairs advisory service 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 demonstration observation portfolios projects questioning scenarios simulation or role plays 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 analysing organisational policy, core business, client group etc to identify potential for sensitive issues using discretion and judgment with sensitive issues providing candid confidential advice analysing and interpreting organisational materials to advise on changes to address sensitive issues 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 maintaining relationships with key media contacts journalistic and interpretive writing strategies to deal with sensitive situations to defend the organisation's position in the face of criticism 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. | |
Media may include: | press radio television film magazines graphic electronic computer telecommunications |
Sensitive situations may include: | complaints incidents poor client service inappropriate actions criminal activity emergencies industrial issues safety issues strict application of policy and procedures in circumstances that might warrant alternative action release of confidential information politically unpopular decisions |
Legislation, policies and procedures may include: | State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards relating to public affairs, such as: ethics and accountability guidelines/codes of practice information security standards principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity confidentiality freedom of information privacy intellectual property copyright risk management fraud control |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close communication is maintained with national, regional and local media to identify and anticipate issues of significance to the organisation. | |||
| Trends, public opinion and perspectives are identified and assessed for their impact on the organisation. | |||
| Advice is provided on sensitive issues as they arise and on emerging issues that may be politically sensitive for the organisation. | |||
| Advice is based on well-researched background information, is objective and meets the organisation's needs. | |||
| Advice is structured to include strategies for dealing with sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, and handling consequences if confidentiality is breached. | |||
| Proposed organisational policies, programs and actions are analysed for their impact on clients and/or the public. | |||
| Advice is provided on anticipated or actual public and media reaction to proposed organisational changes. | |||
| Strategies for ensuring full understanding of the benefits of change, minimising damage to the organisation's image and reputation, and recommendations to counter negative publicity are included in advice given. | |||
| Candid, objective and confidential advice is provided in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures. | |||
| Draft materials produced by the organisation are analysed for political, social or economic issues relevant to the government as a whole, the intended audience and/or the public. | |||
| Cultural context of the information is identified in terms of its relevance or otherwise to the target audience and the general population. | |||
| Stereotypes, bias, prejudice and motive are identified and highlighted for amendment. | |||
| Key issues are identified, fact is separated from opinion and underlying values and beliefs explored. | |||
| Information is synthesised and advice/feedback is prepared to ensure publications meet organisational standards and contribute to public affairs outcomes. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PSPPA602A - Provide public affairs advisory service
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Assessment Record Sheet
PSPPA602A - Provide public affairs advisory service
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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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