LGACOM603B
Develop, implement and review policies and procedures

This unit covers establishing the need for, consulting on, developing, implementing and reviewing policies and procedures for council.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish the need for a policy/procedure

1.1.The need for the policy/procedure is assessed for its contribution to effective and efficient practice in the work area.

1.2.Existing policies are reviewed to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

1.3.The objectives for establishing the policy/procedure are identified.

2. Consult on the development of the policy/procedure

2.1.Terms of reference and guidelines are prepared and provided to key stakeholders.

2.2.Employees directly effected by the process are kept fully informed.

3. Facilitate the preparation of a draft policy/procedure

3.1.Draft is prepared in accordance with Council procedures.

3.2.Draft policy/procedure is consistent with organisational objectives and takes account of resource availability and specifies timeframes for implementation.

3.3.All relevant legislation is complied with.

3.4.The draft policy/procedure incorporates outcomes of the consultative process where appropriate.

3.5.The draft policy/procedure is presented to Council/management for endorsement.

4. Ensure implementation of policy/procedure

4.1.New policy/procedure is integrated into existing policies/procedures/ manuals/ information.

4.2.Employees are informed of new policy/procedure and of their responsibilities.

4.3.Education and training is given to employees where necessary to ensure correct implementation of policy/procedure.

5. Review policy/procedure

5.1.Policy/procedure is evaluated against establishment objectives and workplace impact.

5.2.Timeframes for evaluation process are determined.

5.3.Feedback from employees on implementation issues and outcomes is sought and evaluated.

5.4.Identified problems are resolved.

5.5.Where appropriate, modifications to policy/procedure are recommended and undertaken.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

communication

consultation

negotiation

presentation

report writing

evaluation

review

problem solving

contingency management

Required Knowledge

relevant legislation

relevant council policies and procedures

understanding of the principles, practices in sustainability management

relevant systems and procedures to aid in the achievement of sustainability in the workplace

council operations

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

The demonstrated ability to:

develop, implement and review new policies/procedures and/or changes to existing policies/procedures

support corporate direction and strategy

Context of assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the Range of Variables applicable to the workplace environment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications

Access to workplace or simulated case study that provide the following resources:

relevant legislation

examples of policies/procedures of Councils

real or simulated consultation process

real or simulated training of employees


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Policies/procedures may include:

equal employment opportunity

occupational health and safety

environmental and resource efficiency

sustainable practice

grievance

performance assessment

training

recruitment

Employees may be informed:

on a one to one basis

by group training

by distribution of hard copies of guidelines or via email messages


Sectors

Common.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.