FNSSMS515
Support trustees in selecting and monitoring performance of outsourced services


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support authorised representatives in assisting self-managed superannuation fund trustees to establish the scope and required performance criteria for an outsourced service. It involves selecting and engaging outsourced suppliers and monitoring the performance of the outsourced services provided. It does not require expertise in the functions of the outsourced service providers.

The unit applies to those who use research and organisational skills to plan and monitor outsourced or specialist services.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assist in establishing scope for outsourced services

1.1 Determine extent to which selected activities are currently being conducted by trustees or by outsourced services

1.2 Identify activities within fund that can or must be outsourced, and determine scope of prospective outsourced services

1.3 Identify legislative requirements relating to prospective outsourced services

1.4 Make recommendations on scope of outsourced services according to fund requirements

1.5 Discuss recommendations and prepare engagement criteria for authorised representative

2. Assist in establishing performance criteria for outsourced services

2.1 Define and document scope of expertise required from outsourced services

2.2 Establish and document performance standards for provision of monitoring service standards and performance outcomes of outsourced services

2.3 Establish and document monitoring and measuring processes for performance outcomes of outsourced services

2.4 Establish and document reporting processes of outsourced services

2.5 Prepare briefing documents and supply to outsourced services

3. Assist in selecting and engaging outsourced suppliers

3.1 Support authorised representative in assisting trustee to select suppliers of outsourced services against established criteria

3.2 Engage outsourced suppliers according to operational guidelines

3.3 Brief outsourced suppliers on required service performance standards and ensure clarity of requirements

3.4 Obtain trustee confirmation of outsourced services in place and working implications from authorised representative

4. Assist in monitoring performance of outsourced services

4.1 Review and evaluate performance outcomes of outsourced services against performance standards

4.2 Establish further review periods to re-evaluate as necessary

4.3 Negotiate and document required changes in services with authorised representative

4.4 Document and assist authorised representative to communicate supplier performance to trustee according to organisational policies and procedures

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

assist authorised representative(s) to support at least three different trustees in selecting an outsourced service and in monitoring its performance.


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

legislative and regulatory requirements and industry codes of practice relating to engaging with specialist outsourced services, including compliance and reporting requirements for a self-managed superannuation fund under superannuation, taxation and corporations’ laws including:

Superannuation Industry (Supervision) (SIS) Act

organisational policies and procedures relating to selecting and monitoring outsourced services, including communication, documentation and procedure requirements

scope, role and responsibilities of outsourced service providers

performance management procedures relating to outsourced service providers

relationship between actuary, auditor and trustee.


Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

organisational policies and procedures

industry software packages.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

SKILL

DESCRIPTION

Numeracy

Interprets and analyses mathematical information from complex reports and documents, and performs basic calculations related to self-managed superannuation fund data

Oral communication

Shares information using language and register appropriate to audience and purpose

Seeks information using active listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding

Reading

Interprets complex and detailed documentation from a variety of sources

Writing

Records and consolidates related information and constructs precise, concise reports for authorised representatives

Planning and organising

Accepts responsibility for planning and sequencing complex tasks and workload, negotiating key aspects with others

Monitors progress of plans and schedules, and reviews and changes them to meet new demands and priorities

Problem solving

Applies systematic and analytical processes for complex and non-routine situations to decide on changes to outsourcing requirements

Self-management

Modifies or develops organisational policies, procedures and standards to comply with legislative requirements and organisational goals

Teamwork

Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when liaising with authorised representatives, suppliers and colleagues

Uses a range of strategies to negotiate agreed outcomes with others

Technology

Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks and to access information


Sectors

Self-managed superannuation