Assessor Resource

PSPSEC506A
Communicate security awareness

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers security awareness raising to improve government security management. It includes planning and designing security awareness activities, promoting security management, developing and nurturing cooperative client relationships, conducting security activities and evaluating their success.

In practice, communicating security awareness may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector workplace activities such as acting ethically, promoting compliance with legislation, developing client services.

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:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV502B Develop client services

PSPGOV505A Promote diversity

PSPGOV511A Provide leadership

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSEC504A Coordinate protective security

PSPSEC505A Protect security classified 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)

communication of security awareness in a range of (3 or more) contexts

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy and procedures relating to government security management

activities for minimising security breaches

security guidelines

government security management standards

public sector values and codes of conduct

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when communicating security awareness

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 communicating security awareness, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

communication of security awareness in a range of (3 or more) contexts

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, such as session plans, evaluation and feedback documentation

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:

making presentations

designing security management activities

developing and maintaining client relationships

tailoring sessions to the needs of adult learners and a variety of audiences

explaining complex concepts and formal documents such as legislation, standards and codes of conduct

using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of conducting security management activities

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

agency structure and core business activities

security and how it relates to the specific functions and activities of the organisation, together with an understanding of ethical standards required by the organisation of its staff and contractors and suppliers

national strategic objectives relating to government security management

jurisdictional security requirements and strategic objectives

cross-jurisdictional protocols

international treaties and protocols

the organisation's security risk management methodology

security risk factors in the organisation

identified instances of security breaches

adult learning principles

audience requirements

anti-discrimination and diversity legislation

legislation, policies and procedures relating to conduct of security management activities including occupational health and safety and environment

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.

Needs analysis may include:

consultation with staff, clients, security management networks

Security awareness activities may include:

formal training sessions

briefings

addressing industry groups

consulting groups

Information may include:

security guidelines

instructions

based information

newsletters

written policy manuals and procedures

internal instructions and guidelines

videos, pamphlets, posters

case studies, hypothetical examples

staff orientation processes

training and awareness sessions

conferences and seminars

liaison meetings with clients and stakeholders

Networks may include:

contact with peers or colleagues in or outside own organisation

Stakeholders may include:

internal or external to the organisation

agency staff and senior management

contractors and consultants

other agencies

related program staff

client organisations

industry associations

law enforcement agencies

Decrease in security breaches may be as a result of:

awareness raising and training activities

communicating the organisation's attitude to ethical behaviour and security requirements

using administrative remedies

establishing accessible and confidential reporting channels

publicising agency security practices both within the agency and to clients of the agency

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
Need for activities is determined, taking into account identified client needs and feedback from clients and staff, and priorities are identified in the organisation's security plan. 
Ideas for new or improved activities are initiated, gathered and assessed, taking into account the human, financial and physical resources required. 
Approval for security awareness activities is obtained in accordance with organisational guidelines. 
Individuals and groups are targeted, and formal and informal networks are established and used regularly as communication channels. 
Precedents in security management are incorporated into security awareness activities. 
Effective awareness/information presentations are implemented where required. 
Security awareness activities are linked in an integrated and cohesive manner with organisational ethical and security management standards and guidelines, codes of conduct and include related aspects of corporate policy. 
Security awareness activities are based on a knowledge of the organisation's corporate objectives, core business, the culture of the organisation and a knowledge of the organisation's client base. 
Incidents and effects of non-compliance are publicised in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Information to promote government security management is provided in line with audience needs. 
Expectations of clients and contractors are established and documented. 
Opportunities for establishing contacts and networks with external and internal clients are anticipated in consultation with work colleagues and managers. 
Changes in organisational focus are monitored for effects on organisation-client relationships and action is taken to inform clients of changes in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Feedback on organisational activities is obtained and reported within the organisation in accordance with policy and procedures. 
Organisation's security management philosophy, policy and procedures are imparted in a way which facilitates stakeholder understanding. 
Where required, clients are advised when and how they should modify their practices to meet organisational standards. 
Security management activities are planned and are feasible within existing resource and time constraints. 
Intended outcomes are identified and are based on realistic expectations of the target audience. 
Activities are varied, refined and adapted as indicated by audience response or by changes in the organisation's security strategy and procedures. 
Adult learning techniques are utilised. 
Security awareness information is linked with codes of conduct and ethical and security management guidelines of the organisation, together with its broader corporate goals. 
Security awareness activities are assessed against predetermined objectives. 
Results of evaluation are documented and used as the basis for planning future activities. 
Opportunities for new security awareness activities are identified and acted on as required. 
Evidence, if any, is obtained of a decrease in the level of security breaches as a result of activities. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSEC506A - Communicate security awareness
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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSEC506A - Communicate security awareness

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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