Assessor Resource

PSPPOL601A
Develop public policy

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the development or review of public policy, to enable the implementation of government objectives. For the purposes of this unit, public policy includes government policy affecting all Australians and public sector policy that is not restricted to a particular organisational structure or individual organisation. The unit includes anticipating and confirming the need for public policy development or review; planning the policy development process; gathering and analysing information; determining policy direction; and drafting, gaining agreement for, and disseminating public policy.

In practice, developing public policy may overlap with other generalist or specialist work activities such as managing change, managing diversity, managing workplace safety, managing the delivery of client services, managing risk, directing the management of contracts, etc.

This unit replaces and, for qualification purposes, is equivalent to PSPPOLD601A Develop public policy. Policy evaluation is no longer part of the unit. Evaluation is addressed in PSPMNGT611A Manage evaluations.

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:

PSPMNGT604B Manage change

PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity

PSPMNGT606B Manage quality client service

PSPMNGT608B Manage risk

PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety

PSPPROC602B Direct the management of contracts

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)

development of public policy in a range of (2 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

public sector policy and legislation

public sector standards, procedures and protocols

policy development guidelines

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 public policy, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

development of public policy in a range of (2 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:

reading and evaluating complex and formal documents such as policy and legislation

researching, analysing and presenting information

preparing written reports requiring precision of expression and language and structures suited to the intended audience

working as a member of an inter-agency team to consult on and validate policy

adjusting communication to suit different audiences

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

dealing with different points of view and dissenting stakeholders

accessing policies and legislation electronically or in hard copy

identifying and addressing the environmental, sustainability and occupational health and safety implications of policy/s being developed

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

policy development processes and practices in the public sector

current policies underpinning the work area

government procedures and protocols

public sector code/s of ethics and code/s of conduct

principles of community engagement in policy development

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

environmental, sustainability and occupational health and safety implications of policy/s being developed

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.

Events may include:

Machinery of Government changes

a shift to designing policy around a set of government priorities not organisational structures/individual agencies

a focus on whole of government policies

changes to legal risks

emphasis on policy research focused on the mid to long term, as well as that developed to meet immediate needs of government

national or international events such as:

change in government

changes in government policy

changes in strategic direction

changes in legislation

changes in the policies of other governments

changing social trends

economic/technological change

Public policy may include:

ongoing policy formulation to meet the immediate needs of government

evidence-based policy

policy focused on the medium to long term

any aspect of Australian life or public sector services or practices for which government considers policy development is required

Stakeholders may include:

all those individuals and groups both inside and outside the government that have some direct interest in government conduct, actions, products and services, including:

employees at all levels of the public sector

government

Ministers

clients

the public

other public sector organisations

other jurisdictions

union and association representatives

boards of management

international governments

international bodies

community groups

non-government organisations

special interest groups

key individuals of influence

Approving authority may include:

chief executive officer

delegated officer, such as policy manager

senior management

board of management

managing director

Issues may include:

political sensitivities

social and cultural sensitivities/factors

resource implications (of policy implementation)

technological influences/implications

jurisdictional issues

'sunk cost' restrictions

non-consenting stakeholders at the end of the policy development process

refusal to be involved, blocking, hampering process

Policy requirements may be defined in terms of:

context

rationale

issues to be addressed

expected outcomes

timeframe

business/government cycles

research methods

resource requirements for development

key stakeholders

communication strategy

feedback mechanisms for review

milestones

precedents

risk analysis

possible complications

success measures/learning from failure or previous problems

possible resource implications for implementation

Information gathering may include:

stakeholder consultation

developments across the public sector or in private sector organisations

evaluation of similar policies

benchmarking (including international benchmarking)

current and closed files

surveys

literature reviews

Internet

comparing with approaches in other countries

Analytical frameworks may include:

logical/rational (including best practice)

incremental

radical transformation

Criteria for choice of preferred policy option may include:

likely effectiveness

implementation timeframe and costs (including infrastructure)

interaction with other policies (existing or being developed)

consistency with broader government and community agendas

Organisational requirements for style, format and contents may require policies to be:

forward-looking

outward-looking

principles-based

innovative, creative, flexible

evidence-based

inclusive

consistent

self-contained, with adequate coverage of the subject matter

accessible to the intended audience/understandable to all users

gender-neutral and written in non-discriminatory language

Outcomes of the policy development process may include:

nature of the policy change

the outcomes expected by stakeholders

issues

expected costs

timelines

contextual factors (including any impact on other related policies)

Promotion of policy may include:

formal launch

national campaign

information sessions

presentations

media campaign

ongoing advice

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
Events, issues or government policies likely to cause changes to public policy are identified. 
The likely implications and impact of these factors that might require public policy development are identified and prioritised in consultation with stakeholders. 
A critical analysis of the need for new or revised public policy is conducted that includes a scan of both internal and external environments, that checks related policies for context and identifies other public policy likely to be impacted. 
Priority areas for public policy development/review are recommended in accordance with government directions. 
Confirmation of the need for public policy development/review and supporting evidence is detailed in accordance with policy and procedures. 
The approving authority is confirmed and procedures and protocols for public policy development are confirmed and applied. 
Issues likely to impact on the policy development process are identified, analysed (in terms of risk) and addressed in policy development planning. 
Public policy requirements are outlined in a policy development plan in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Stakeholders are identified and engaged through the establishment and maintenance of a public policy network. 
Information required to support the policy development process is gathered, analysed and interpreted. 
An analytical framework for the development of public policy is determined and applied. 
Strategic input is obtained from high-level staff in accordance with organisational/public sector protocols. 
A range of policy options and criteria for choice are developed and communicated in a timely and understandable way to those responsible for selecting the policy direction. 
Where appropriate, specific policy options are promoted to key individuals, organisations and groups. 
A preferred public policy option is identified and risk treatments are determined in accordance with the policy development plan. 
Approvals/endorsements are obtained in accordance with the policy development plan and public sector procedures and protocols. 
Public policy is drafted using a cyclical process of consultation, feedback, identification of changes and re-drafting implemented in accordance with the policy development plan. 
Risk management processes are implemented in accordance with the policy development plan to ensure progress of the process against the timeframe and milestones. 
An implementation plan that details responsibilities for implementation and strategies for transition, change management, and initial and ongoing training and maintenance of the policy, is included within the policy. 
Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the policy, quality assurance of the policy, and for evaluation of the policy are included within the policy. 
The policy is developed in accordance with organisational requirements for style, format and contents. 
Public policy is cleared through required channels, and agreement of critical stakeholders is gained in accordance with the policy development plan. 
All stakeholders, particularly those who will be responsible for implementing the new or revised policy, are fully informed of the outcomes, and fallout from dissenting stakeholders is managed in accordance with the policy development plan. 
The policy is released and promoted in accordance with government requirements. 
Advice is provided to those affected by policy changes in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPPOL601A - Develop public policy
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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPPOL601A - Develop public policy

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