Application
This unit describes the skills required to promote ethical standards to assist staff in avoiding conflicts of interest and to model and foster integrity.
This unit applies to those working in public sector roles but may be applied to anyone working in a similar organisational context.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently, as part of a team and with supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Promote ethical standards | 1.1 Discuss interpretation of ethical standards with senior staff to ensure common understanding of requirements. 1.2 Explain to others the ethical obligations of public service and the consequences of unethical conduct. 1.3 Assess conduct of self and others against ethics standards, legislation and guidelines, and provide feedback. 1.4 Use the resolution and/or referral of ethical problems identified in dealings with staff and public as learning opportunities. |
2. Assist staff to avoid conflicts of interest | 2.1 Explain conflict of interest requirements to staff using situations they are likely to experience. 2.2 Discuss with staff matters involving competing interests or conflicting views and resolve or refer as required. |
3. Model and foster integrity or conduct | 3.1 Give ethical, lawful and reasonable directions to staff, using personal work practices, to provide a consistent example of desired ethical conduct, and develop team values through collaboration and leadership. 3.2 Provide protection from reprisals for refusing others' directions to act unethically. 3.3 Model and explain to others the principles of procedural fairness. 3.4 Explain, promote and use decision making which upholds ethical standards. 3.5 Assess the risk of unethical conduct and recommend changes to policies or practices to improve outcomes. 3.6 Encourage the reporting of suspected unethical conduct. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying ethical decision making/problem solving
using a variety of words and language structures to explain complex ideas to different audiences
interpreting and explaining complex, formal documents and assisting others to apply them in the workplace
using strategies to clarify understanding
preparing written advice and reports requiring accuracy of expression
accessing legislation and codes of ethics electronically or in hard copy
assisting others to apply occupational health and safety and environmental procedures relating to ethical work practices
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
organisational code of ethics/conduct
legislation related to privacy, freedom of information, human rights, whistleblower protection and procedural fairness
procedures for declaring conflicts of interest
procedures or protocols for reporting unethical conduct
work health and safety procedures relating to ethical work practices
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit. ACSF mapping was not completed due to VET reform timelines, it has been noted for continuous improvement.
Competency Field
Ethics