Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSS027004A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Contribute to environmental decision making

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS027004A - Contribute to environmental decision making
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to gather and analyse information about environmental issues to inform enterprise decision making and to make valid decisions within a defined scope of responsibility. Personnel are required to implement relevant enterprise policies/procedures, consult with and involve interested parties, develop well researched positions, make decisions and/or provide sound recommendations for consideration by decision makers, and to inform others about decisions. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or enterprise environmental manager.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency is applicable to environmental site coordinators, environmental managers and senior environmental officers working in a range of industry sectors. such as:environmental monitoring, sampling and field testing (e.g. air, water, soil and noise)geotechnical servicesnatural resource managementoccupational hygiene monitoring (e.g. air, noise and radiation)water supply and treatment, storm and wastewater managementsolid and hazardous waste managementsite remediation or rehabilitationresource efficiency (e.g. energy, water and waste auditing).Note that the term ‘manager’ is used to refer to management of a function, project and /or program and does not necessarily imply line management.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Confirm decision-making process with manager
  • Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions
  • Examine enterprise environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process
  • Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved
  • Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility
  • Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available
       
Element: Identify information needs, sources and collection methods
  • Identify the information required for a reliable decision
  • Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context
  • Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical
  • Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
       
Element: Engage interested parties to inform decision making
  • Identify interested parties; their respective interests, needs and expectations; and assess their ability to contribute
  • Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process
  • Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions
  • Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views
  • Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood
  • Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options
  • Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood
  • Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making
       
Element: Gather and analyse information needed for decision making
  • Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with enterprise policies/procedures and legislative requirements
  • Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions
  • Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends
  • Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion
  • Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence
  • Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making
       
Element: Make decisions and/or provide recommendations
  • Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each
  • Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and enterprise policies/procedures
  • Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations
  • Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility
  • Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken
       
Element: Communicate information and decisions
  • Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with enterprise policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients
  • Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided
  • Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided
       
Element: Review contribution to decision-making process
  • Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement
  • Report findings to relevant personnel
       


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.

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

applying enterprise decision-making procedures

identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid decisions and/or sound recommendations

consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the decision-making process

analysing information rigorously to provide a reliable basis for informed decision making

making decisions and/or providing recommendations in sufficient time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken

communicating decisions clearly.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSS027001A Coordinate environmental management activities.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

site/project/program history

relevant legislation, codes, standards, enterprise environmental management policies, plans, procedures and checklists

access to a computer, internet, maps, data sets, enterprise reports, published case studies and research.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of environmental decisions and/or recommendations made and the supporting documentation provided by the candidate

review of information developed by the candidate about the issue/problem for interested parties

feedback from managers and/or stakeholder representatives that the candidate is able to contribute effectively to environmental decision making within scope of responsibility

oral/written tests involving environmental management terms, principles and procedures, enterprise procedures and strategies for community engagement and decision making, and techniques for analysing information

analysis of case studies involving issues/problems within scope of responsibility

observation of the candidate representing the enterprise to interested parties and collecting or providing information.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative/regulatory requirements, standards, codes, guidelines and manuals

implementing environmental management plans, policy and procedures relating to community engagement, communication protocols and decision making

developing and maintaining a range of useful contacts and networks

responding effectively to complaints and requests for information

explaining environmental management concepts, principles and procedures clearly

gathering, analysing and summarising environmental information

listening actively, asking questions and clarifying points to reach mutual understanding

encouraging participation and audience feedback

adapting communication style, language and media to suit audience

drawing logical, evidence-based conclusions

making valid decisions and preparing sound recommendations

resolving differences of opinion/conflicts constructively

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

providing accurate, complete and timely reports, briefings and handovers

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles

site/project characteristics, nature of activities conducted at site, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts

environmental legislative/regulatory requirements, approvals, permits, licences and responsibilities relevant to site/project

risk/impact assessments, enterprise environmental management plans, procedures, control measures and management actions for site/project

enterprise procedures for engaging interested parties, managing stakeholder relations, responding to complaints and requests for information, and record management and reporting

good practice models for community engagement and environmental decision making

interpersonal communication, negotiating/lobbying/influencing/conflict resolution techniques

problem-solving techniques

relevant health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003

Native Title Act 1993

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

cultural/heritage protection

vegetation management

nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection

water and water management

soil conservation

pollution and contaminated sites

fisheries, forestry and mining operations

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

environmental management plan, site information about applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements

information about community engagement, management of stakeholder relations and communication protocols

information about site processes and work schedules

monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks

procedures for emergency preparedness and response

Environmental issues and problems

Environmental issues and problems may include:

developing/negotiating land use and other site agreements, including making changes to these

identifying and addressing cultural heritage issues

managing site amenity and access issues

designing/conducting environmental monitoring baseline studies and social risk/impact assessments

managing expectations and addressing community concerns about impacts, community development and local employment opportunities

responding to community or stakeholder complaints

responding to environmental exceedances (e.g. noise, dust and water quality) and adverse audit findings

investigating/responding to environmental incidents or adverse audit findings

informing interested parties about changes to site/project operations

involving interested parties in site/project closure planning

developing a site rehabilitation program

Information

Information may include:

legislation, regulations, guidelines, standards, codes of practice, licence conditions and approval processes

environmental management case studies, research findings and models of good practice

enterprise environmental management policies and procedures

site/project initial advice statements, risk/impact assessments and environmental management plans

records of site consultations with interested parties

site/project environmental reports (e.g. weekly and monthly monitoring)

environmental data sets, such as

satellite imagery and remote sensing data

geophysical, geochemical, geological, hydrological and meteorological data

ecological data, such as distribution of vegetation, fauna and pests

social science data, such as demographic and census information

land use data, zoning and property classifications

historical records and photographs

community surveys

maps (road and topographical) and aerial photos

site utilities/services (e.g. water, sewer, electricity and gas)

Sources of information

Sources of information may include:

government departments and agencies (e.g. environment, climate change, agriculture, mining and land use/planning)

utility authorities/companies (e.g. water, gas and electricity)

land title office and Valuer General

local government records

Geoscience Australia

Australian Social Science Data Archive

companies providing environmental services

internet, library/archive collections, annual reports and community newsletters

Information collection methods

Information collection methods may include:

accessing external publications

conducting internet searches

accessing enterprise files and reports

conducting interviews with enterprise personnel, government representatives and interested parties

consulting with external experts

holding discussion groups, learning circles, workshops, reference groups and community consultative committees

conducting community/stakeholder surveys

External expert opinion

External expert opinion may include:

government regulators

environmental consultants

contractors

solicitors

environmental scientists, engineers and planners

professional groups and organisations

community leaders, tribal elders and traditional owners

Strategies and activities to encourage effective participation in decision making

Strategies and activities to encourage effective participation in decision making may include:

one-on-one informal or impromptu discussions

formal interviews

regular briefings

public meetings, focus groups and workshops

a site/project visitor centre, open days and site visits

hotline or 24 hour contact numbers to record issues or complaints

websites

direct mail or newsletters

links with community liaison or advisory groups

translation of key information into local languages

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

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
Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions 
Examine enterprise environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process 
Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved 
Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility 
Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available 
Identify the information required for a reliable decision 
Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context 
Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical 
Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required 
Identify interested parties; their respective interests, needs and expectations; and assess their ability to contribute 
Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process 
Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions 
Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views 
Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood 
Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options 
Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood 
Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making 
Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with enterprise policies/procedures and legislative requirements 
Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions 
Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends 
Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion 
Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence 
Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making 
Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each 
Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and enterprise policies/procedures 
Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations 
Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility 
Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken 
Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with enterprise policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients 
Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided 
Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided 
Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement 
Report findings to relevant personnel 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS027004A - Contribute to environmental decision making
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

MSS027004A - Contribute to environmental decision making

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: