LGAGOVA614B
Monitor and maintain quality of asset management system

This unit covers auditing asset performance, managing assets and benchmarking best practice to enable continuous improvement in asset management strategies and practices. It is appropriate for senior managers and heads of department.

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 Develop and implement management control process

1.1 Roles and devolved responsibilities of business units or departments are clarified to ensure effective management of assets in line with corporate objectives and responsibilities.

1.2 Specific reporting and monitoring standards required from business units or departments in line with statutory and corporate requirements are determined and complied with.

1.3 Information systems that provide the information necessary for effective and efficient asset management for all levels within the organisation are established and maintained.

1.4 Regular audits are arranged, where appropriate to the organisation, to establish a continuous improvement cycle.

2 Review existing practices, procedures and systems

2.1 Assessments of current status of asset management activities within business units or departments are conducted regularly in accordance with asset management plan.

2.2 Milestones and targets are set up and adhered to by the groups responsible.

2.3 Areas of difficulty are identified and strategies are developed to overcome these difficulties.

2.4 Consistency in approach to asset collection is ensured by implementation of cost-effective checking techniques.

3 Review service levels

3.1 Current levels of service provided by asset stock are critically examined.

3.2 Areas of possible improvement in the effectiveness and efficiencies of owning and operating assets are identified in consultation with relevant personnel.

4 Benchmark performance of asset management

4.1 Organisations offering effective benchmarking opportunities are identified.

4.2 Appropriate benchmarking is undertaken to enable continuous improvement in asset management strategies and practices.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

consultation and liaison

team participation and management

critical analysis

lateral thinking

Required Knowledge

benchmarking practices

quality management principles and procedures

environmental and sustainability principles and practices

organisational and industry functions

effective management practices

statutory annual reporting requirements

information systems

barriers to effective communication

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 and implement asset management control processes

review existing practices, procedures and systems to ensure consistency of reporting and practices in all relevant business units

review service levels to identify areas of improvement in the effectiveness and efficiencies of owning and operating assets

benchmark with other organizations to enable continuous improvement strategies to be implemented at unit and management levels.

Context of assessment

Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, with particular attention to the critical aspects 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.

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

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role.

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 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.


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.

Council's assets may include:

roads

footpaths and curbs

road furniture

bridges

water supply systems

parks, gardens, sporting grounds and playgrounds

drainage systems

sewerage systems

buildings

plant and equipment

office furniture and equipment

library books

artwork and heritage assets

Levels within the organisation may include:

corporate

divisional business units or departments

facilities

workforce

Regular audits may include:

internal

external

Asset management activities may include:

introduction of information systems

data capture program

studies

Areas of difficulty may include:

weaknesses, problems and pitfalls encountered by staff.

Cost-effective checking techniques may include:

spot checks

Areas of possible improvement may include:

number of assets

complexity of assets, including their sophistication and issues involved

age of the asset base

quality of the assets constructed

levels of service provided or demanded

Organisations offering effective benchmarking opportunities may include:

organisations involved in the delivery of the same infrastructure services

infrastructure asset owners who undertake a similar delivery of service to customers

any organisation that undertakes the delivery of a product by the effective management of assets


Sectors

Administration Units


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.