- PSPREG411A - Gather information through interviews
Assessor Resource
PSPREG411A
Gather information through interviews
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
Not applicable.
This unit covers gathering information through interviews that do not result in a formal record of interview in the legal sense. Interviews may be conducted in a range of locations for a range of reasons. They may be overt or covert. The unit includes preparing for the interview, conducting the interview, and reviewing and correlating interview information.
Verbal questioning and other interactions undertaken outside a formal interview structure are not addressed in this unit as these are covered in other communication units in the Training Package, such as PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies.
In practice, gathering information through interviews may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, exercising regulatory powers, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, assessing compliance, receiving and validating information.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
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 PSPGOV422A Apply government processes PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers PSPREG403B Assess compliance PSPREG415A Receive and validate information |
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) information gathered via interviews 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 gathering information through interviews case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when gathering information through interviews |
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 gathering information through interviews, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine information gathered via interviews 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 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: using interviewing techniques to suit a range of situations and interviewees engaging in exchanges of sometimes complex oral information varying style and language structure to suit a range of interviewees using techniques to deal with difficult interview situations using a range of communication techniques that include establishing rapport, listening, probing, reflecting, negotiation, conflict resolution responding to diversity, including gender and disability using critical analysis, evaluation and deductive reasoning using problem solving and decision making related to interviewing using judgment, to test the veracity of information and vary questions and interviewing techniques to suit preparing interview documentation requiring accuracy of expression and formality in structure and format operating technical and electronic equipment, where necessary applying public sector standards and legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of interviewing |
Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of: application of legislation to interviewing including privacy, ethics, confidentiality and freedom of information organisational policies and guidelines relating to interviews questioning techniques legal and ethical considerations for conducting interviews cultural awareness in the context of interviewing procedures for using interpreters legal and organisational requirements for documentation legal requirements relating to recording of information equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment, relating to interviews |
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. | |
Contexts may include: | informal interviews interviews against set criteria interviews to assess applications initial investigation of complaints audits intelligence gathering threat assessment security vetting overt interviews covert interviews, under specific legislative powers |
Requirements may include: | interview location/environment: office designated interview room in the field (including overseas) private home at a client/contractor location in other agencies timing personnel present: senior staff colleagues interpreter support persons method of recording: tape recording videotaping hand written typewritten/word processed file notes equipment: electronic equipment recording equipment computer equipment availability of interviewee |
Organisational and legislative requirements may include: | organisational policy, procedures and guidelines international treaties and protocols cross-jurisdictional protocols organisation's strategic objectives national strategic objectives security constraints public sector codes of conduct/ethics confidentiality requirements Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation such as: Freedom of Information Act 1982 Privacy Act 1988 Archives Act Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1995 Evidence Act the organisation's enabling legislation |
Interview planning may: include | purpose structure context expectations intended/desired outcomes criteria for assessment risk management considerations key questions in sequential order, highlighting main points assessing sources of information interview strategies appropriate to the situation and purpose of the interview, such as: direct questioning empathetic questioning investigative interviewing exclusion of leading questions avoidance of cross-examination safety requirements for interviewer, interviewee and others present |
Materials may include: | paper-based and electronic documents, including: maps photographs videotapes physical objects and materials audiotapes |
Commencement protocols may include: | introductions producing identification/authority explaining the purpose, process and recording requirements confirming confidentiality of information, if appropriate to the interview purpose |
Questioning techniques may include: | summarising re-phrasing paraphrasing open and closed questions cognitive interviewing using silence active listening using and recognising body language identifying and overcoming barriers to communication investigative interviewing techniques |
Recording may include: | hand written record of interview typewritten record of interview audiotapes videotapes |
Dealing with sensitive information may include: | information security procedures |
Post-interview activities may include: | interview report interview assessment report informal judgment recommendations with supporting reasons/evidence suggesting solutions to problems encountered during the interview informing stakeholders of outcome of interview providing briefings on outcomes |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The need for an interview is determined, and the context and requirements are established in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements. | |||
| Interview planning is undertaken to ensure desired outcomes are achieved. | |||
| Interview arrangements are made in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements. | |||
| Materials to be used during the interview are prepared as required. | |||
| Advice is obtained as required on legislative or administrative issues relating to the conduct of the interview. | |||
| Commencement of the interview is undertaken following organisational protocols and complies with legislative requirements. | |||
| Interview is conducted in a planned manner, with the sequence evident to others who may use the outcomes. | |||
| Questions are selected and used that are relevant, comprehensive, appropriate to the situation and the interviewee and adhere to the rules of evidence. | |||
| Problem solving skills are used to test, compare and contrast information as it is provided to influence the direction of further questions. | |||
| Information is recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
| Personal conduct is maintained in accordance with legal and organisational requirements and takes account of cultural and ethical issues. | |||
| Information is reviewed and clarified to ensure its relevance and sufficiency prior to concluding the interview. | |||
| Information is transcribed if necessary and sensitive information is dealt with in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. | |||
| Detailed analysis is conducted, and incomplete and irregular information is identified and noted or followed up in accordance with the nature of the interview and organisational requirements. | |||
| Behavioural characteristics of significance to the purpose of the interview are confirmed. | |||
| Post-interview activities are undertaken as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PSPREG411A - Gather information through interviews
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Assessment Record Sheet
PSPREG411A - Gather information through interviews
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