LGAGENE302A
Contribute to effective decision making

This unit examines the decision-making processes and capabilities required by those in positions of authority within council. It recognises the impact of personal and community influences upon councillors when making clear and strong decisions.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in remote and Indigenous communities and councils. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The role of elected members and senior management in leading and supporting their communities, and the identification of processes and solutions to meet the specific needs of communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify problems or issues needing response

1.1. Problems requiring decisions to be made by council are categorised and prioritised.

1.2. Problems are identified by nature, possible causes and influencing circumstances.

1.3. Relevant community and stakeholder needs and expectations are discussed in relation to issues of concern.

2. Develop solutions to problems

2.1. Possible solutions are researched, community input is encouraged and specialist advice is sought where appropriate.

2.2. Community consultation and ownership of solutions are encouraged where possible.

2.3. Alternative viewpoints are considered and factored into proposed solutions.

2.4. Previous or similar situations are examined to combine or improve on ideas generated from feedback and discussion.

2.5. A range of solutions to identified issues is proposed to relevant stakeholders and decision makers.

3. Evaluate solutions

3.1. Evaluation of costs and feasibility of solutions are considered.

3.2. Capacity to deliver and sustain proposed solutions is evaluated.

3.3. Community acceptance and support of proposed solutions are evaluated and considered.

3.4. Risk of failure and consequences are assessed against alternative solutions.

3.5. Ethical decisions are proposed whilst respecting council responsibilities and community values and avoiding conflicts of interest.

3.6. Optimum solutions to identified problems are proposed and authority to proceed is gained.

4. Implement decisions

4.1. Boundaries and limitations of decisions are clarified and followed by elected councillors.

4.2. Implementation of decisions is planned to suit the operation of council and the community.

4.3. Follow-up processes are observed to monitor progress of the implementation plan and review is instigated where necessary.

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Required Skills

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

Required Skills

questioning

listening

research

management

lateral thinking.

Required Knowledge

decision making processes

legislation affecting councils

responsibilities conferred upon councillors to act responsibly and ethically.

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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

Assessment of this unit must include:

capacity to determine what decisions can or cannot be made on information available

ability to make or contribute to difficult decisions

demonstrated capacity to involve the community and specialist sources of advice to inform decision making

demonstrated capacity to respect and represent diversity in ethnic background, culture, customs, language and communication styles.

Context of assessment

In the workplace or a simulated work environment, possibly supported by classroom delivery, including remote or online.

Assessment may encompass multiple elements in the workplace and utilise:

role-plays

oral questioning

case studies

short exercises, including multiple choice, practical demonstrations and group activities in simulated environments.

It is anticipated that a complete assessment would involve observation of performance in the role of councillor.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

Prerequisite units: nil.

Co-requisite units: nil.

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 will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace, simulated environment or case studies.

Assessment and training may need to be conducted out of standard business hours.


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.

Problems may be:

serious or urgent

new or recurring

result of a previous decision

impact of changing circumstances

not perceived as such by council, community or others outside the community.

Solutions may be sourced from:

inside the council

within the community

outside influences

individual interviews

surveys:

group forums

focus groups

quantitative research.

customer satisfaction

specific issue

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Sectors

Unit Sector

General Elective

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Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.