Application
This unit describes the skills required to edit material that is produced by another person or persons for incorporation within a Defence publication. This involves the preparation of a news feature or other journalistic material for a Defence publication, such as services newspapers, magazines and internet sites. The material usually comes from non-reporters within the organisation, but on occasions material will be provided from external sources.
This unit was developed for Defence reporters, but is applicable to anyone working in this field.
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 work with limited supervision, performing complex tasks in known contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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. Review provided copy | 1.1 Identify and confirm source of the copy with the originator. 1.2 Confirm accuracy and intent of the copy with the originator if necessary. 1.3 Identify newsworthy and public affairs issues relating to the content of the copy. 1.4 Seek advice from a senior reporter or the editor on controversial issues. |
2. Edit the material | 2.1 Comply with organisation’s style manual and consider the needs of target audiences. 2.2 Factor advice and directions from the editor or sub-editor into the edited material. 2.3 Maintain the chosen style consistently throughout the copy, structuring news elements and attributing quotes. 2.4 Identify and factor public affairs objectives and constraints into editing. |
3. Proofread the story | 3.1 Check and amend any errors of style, grammar, spelling, completeness and factual accuracy. 3.2 Submit the story for proofreading and amend accordingly until compliant with standards. 3.3 Submit the story to the originator and/or the sub-editor or editor for clearance. 3.4 Assess story as publication ready within the required deadlines and file. |
Evidence of Performance
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 one occasion.
using appropriate information technology and software
adhering to public affairs objectives and maintaining communications ethics at all times
following clearance procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
how to convert provided material into different types of genres to achieve a purpose
style manual, ethical standards and clearance procedures
implications of security, privacy and libel provisions
ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of Defence public affairs organisations
Defence News Editorial Board guidelines
Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics
relevant legislation
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
General