PSPGEN073
Prepare for community engagement


Application

This unit describes the skills required to identify and understand the various communities targeted to be involved in engagement activities or programs. It includes development of an analytical framework, defining and assessing the composition of the target community, identifying community cultural systems and protocols and building a community profile.

This unit applies to those working in a role where they identify communities to be involved in engagement activities.

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 autonomously in consultation with others, while performing 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. Develop an analytical framework

1.1 Identify the context within which community engagement may ethically be undertaken and the underpinning policy drivers.

1.2 Identify and consult key stakeholders to ensure the framework is culturally appropriate and addresses key community characteristics.

1.3 Define the task and objectives for the engagement program.

1.4 Allocate resources to implement the framework according to the requirements of the task and budgetary constraints.

1.5 Develop the framework to meet the requirement to assist in analysing and understanding the community.

2. Define the target community

2.1 Identify research techniques in accordance with community engagement information requirements and community preferences.

2.2 Gather and analyse information according to the requirements of the research strategy.

2.3 Define target community with sufficient breadth and depth to meet community engagement program requirements.

2.4 Conduct community research in a manner that builds community trust and confidence.

3. Assess community features

3.1 Acknowledge and respect community diversity.

3.2 Identify the community’s formal and informal leadership structure, and acknowledge and adhere to protocols and cultural practices.

3.3 Detail community makeup and structures, and establish relationships through formal and informal community networks.

3.4 Identify barriers to involvement by the community in the engagement process, and develop strategies to address them.

3.5 Identify risks and issues in relation to engaging with the community, and develop strategies to address them.

4. Build a community profile

4.1 Conduct an environmental scan to examine potential impacts on community engagement.

4.2 Detail the composition of the community and its leadership structures.

4.3 Identify the community’s formal and informal networks and its formal and informal cultural practices.

4.4 Detail barriers to community engagement and risks, including prior experiences, and recommendations for addressing them.

4.5 Validate profile with stakeholders.

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.

facilitating, consulting and networking with diverse communities using communication styles to suit diverse audiences and purposes

explaining complex and formal policies and concepts to a variety of audiences

translating community engagement theory into practice

researching and analysing community information

applying lateral thinking to provide solutions and overcome barriers to community engagement

applying work health and safety procedures to community consultation

detailing requirements, writing recommendations and preparing community profiles requiring complex language structures and precision of expression


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.

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to community engagement

community engagement theory, principles, practices and techniques

principles of leadership in the context of community engagement

principles of cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication

power relationships

community politics and dynamics, including stigma

barriers to community engagement

public sector values and codes of conduct

principles of ethical conduct

principles of social justice

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

work health and safety procedures relating to community consultation


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.


Competency Field

General