Assessor Resource

PSPSEC009
Handle sensitive information

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills required to receive, deal with, maintain and dispose of sensitive information.

This unit applies to those working in a security role where they would receive, deal with and maintain sensitive information.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would generally work independently, as part of a team and with occasional supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Receive sensitive information

1.1 Receive and check sensitive information to ensure transmission protocols have been exercised.

1.2 Take action if protocols have not been adhered to.

1.3 Record sensitive information.

2. Deal with sensitive information

2.1 Review sensitive information to ensure classification meets the security policy for protection of information.

2.2 Review aggregated sensitive information to ensure that it is classified.

2.3 Check classification requirement to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from any compromise of the information’s confidentiality, integrity and availability.

2.4 Contact originators of information responsible for classifying the documents to discuss reclassification or declassification where necessary.

2.5 Transmit sensitive information.

2.6 Obtain expert advice as required.

3. Maintain sensitive information

3.1 Secure and account for sensitive information.

3.2 Dispose of sensitive information.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to government security management

applying security classification systems

using analysis and problem solving

tailoring communication to the needs of a diverse range of people inside and outside the organisation who classify, transmit or advise on sensitive information

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to government security management

standards for management of sensitive information

classification system for national security and nonnational security information

procedures for confirming initial security classifications

international protocols and treaties impacting on government security management

available sources of expert advice

procedures relating to WHS and environment in the context of government security management

equity and diversity principles

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 handling sensitive information.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Receive sensitive information

1.1 Receive and check sensitive information to ensure transmission protocols have been exercised.

1.2 Take action if protocols have not been adhered to.

1.3 Record sensitive information.

2. Deal with sensitive information

2.1 Review sensitive information to ensure classification meets the security policy for protection of information.

2.2 Review aggregated sensitive information to ensure that it is classified.

2.3 Check classification requirement to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from any compromise of the information’s confidentiality, integrity and availability.

2.4 Contact originators of information responsible for classifying the documents to discuss reclassification or declassification where necessary.

2.5 Transmit sensitive information.

2.6 Obtain expert advice as required.

3. Maintain sensitive information

3.1 Secure and account for sensitive information.

3.2 Dispose of sensitive information.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to government security management

applying security classification systems

using analysis and problem solving

tailoring communication to the needs of a diverse range of people inside and outside the organisation who classify, transmit or advise on sensitive information

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to government security management

standards for management of sensitive information

classification system for national security and nonnational security information

procedures for confirming initial security classifications

international protocols and treaties impacting on government security management

available sources of expert advice

procedures relating to WHS and environment in the context of government security management

equity and diversity principles

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 handling sensitive information.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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
Receive and check sensitive information to ensure transmission protocols have been exercised. 
Take action if protocols have not been adhered to. 
Record sensitive information. 
Review sensitive information to ensure classification meets the security policy for protection of information. 
Review aggregated sensitive information to ensure that it is classified. 
Check classification requirement to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from any compromise of the information’s confidentiality, integrity and availability. 
Contact originators of information responsible for classifying the documents to discuss reclassification or declassification where necessary. 
Transmit sensitive information. 
Obtain expert advice as required. 
Secure and account for sensitive information. 
Dispose of sensitive information. 
Receive and check sensitive information to ensure transmission protocols have been exercised. 
Take action if protocols have not been adhered to. 
Record sensitive information. 
Review sensitive information to ensure classification meets the security policy for protection of information. 
Review aggregated sensitive information to ensure that it is classified. 
Check classification requirement to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from any compromise of the information’s confidentiality, integrity and availability. 
Contact originators of information responsible for classifying the documents to discuss reclassification or declassification where necessary. 
Transmit sensitive information. 
Obtain expert advice as required. 
Secure and account for sensitive information. 
Dispose of sensitive information. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSEC009 - Handle sensitive information
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

PSPSEC009 - Handle sensitive information

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: