ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify the role and working environment of elected members

1.1 Determine the function and scope of elected members.

1.2 Identify relevant federal and local law, policies and procedures as applied to member’s roles.

1.3 Demonstrate awareness of the Australian political structure and the role of Local Government within that environment.

1.4 Demonstrate awareness and understanding of relevant federal, state and local government legislation

1.5 Define the rolesof others and self within the council environment.

1.6 Distinguish between the function of council and its administration.

2 Provide support to council as an elected member

2.1 Participate in meetings according to standing orders.

2.2 Apply relevant legislation to personal conduct within Local Government.

2.3 Participate in policy decision making processes.

2.4 Participate in strategic planning and financial reporting processes.

2.5 Oversee asset and financial management processes.

3 Function effectively as an elected member

3.1 Contribute to the community consultation process.

3.2 Work effectively with other elected members to resolve problems.

3.3 Seek assistance from peers, support agencies and other levels of government where required.

3.4 Advocate on behalf of, and represent, community.

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

Required skills

teamwork to work effectively with elected members

oral and written communication skills for:

interacting with the community during consultation

contributing to discussions on complex issues:

negotiating and influencing others

debating and solving problems in collaboration with other elected members

numeracy and financial literacy skills for budgeting, asset management, strategic planning, financial planning and reporting

Required knowledge

relevant state/territory Local Government Acts and amendments

code of conduct and relevant policies and procedures

separation of powers of council and administration

rights and responsibilities of elected members

WH&S responsibilities pertaining to elected member operating environment

meeting standing orders

peer support network, including external organisations

Australian constitution

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 Required Skills and Knowledge must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the Local Government Act is required.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

The demonstrated ability to:

act according to rules and code of conduct

identify the separate roles of council and administration

communicate effectively with elected members and the public

read and interpret financial statements

contribute to the strategic planning process

Context of assessment

Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, with particular attention to the critical aspects of evidence and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide, and within the scope of the Range Statement.

Assessment must take account of the endorsed Assessment Guidelines in the Local Government Training Package.

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment.

Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies for the particular AQF level. Refer to the key competency levels at the end of this unit.

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

third-party reports

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 collected over a set period of time that is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations.

Resource implications

The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace that may include:

Local Government Act and amendments

code of conduct

rules of conduct

legislation governing the role of elected members

relevant policies and procedures

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.

Roles may include:

CEO

mayor

deputy mayor

president

deputy president

councillor

Meetings may include:

committee meeting

council meeting

special meetings of the council

electors’ general meeting

special electors’ meeting