PSPGOV405B
Provide input to change processes

This unit covers understanding the reasons for change and initiating specific changes related to the work unit. It includes suggesting options and opportunities for change, encouraging commitment to workplace change, monitoring and evaluating change and dealing with ambiguity in the change process.In practice, providing input to change may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc. This is one of 6 units of competency in the Working in Government and Management Competency Fields that deal with change. Related units are:PSPGOV205B Participate in workplace changePSPGOV306B Implement changePSPGOV514A Facilitate changePSPMNGT604B Manage changePSPMNGT703A Lead and influence changeNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Suggest options and opportunities for change

1.1 The need for change in work practice within the work unit is identified, suggestions sought and options devised.

1.2 Options and opportunities for change are suggested to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the workgroup and the work environment.

1.3 The broader workplace context, including future trends, is taken into account in suggestions for change.

1.4 Risk factors affecting change are analysed to identify possible constraints.

2. Encourage commitment to workplace change

2.1 Positive encouragement is provided to implement workplace change.

2.2 The needs and viewpoints of individuals are identified and considered when implementing change.

2.3 Communication strategies are developed and support is provided to colleagues on adjusting to change.

2.4 Issues requiring further action are identified and dealt with in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

3. Monitor and evaluate change

3.1 Implementation of change is monitored and feedback on individual and group work practices is prompt and constructive.

3.2 Suggestions for improvements made by workgroup members are positively received and acted on where appropriate.

3.3 Work activities are evaluated based on feedback from workgroup members and other stakeholders.

3.4 Evidence and information is collected on the impact of change, is accurate, relevant and reported according to organisational requirements.

3.5 Recommendations for improving methods or techniques to manage change are negotiated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.6 Learning from the implementation of change are identified, shared with others and transferred to other change initiatives.

4. Deal with ambiguities in the change process

4.1 The need to operate within constraints beyond one's own control is recognised and accepted.

4.2 Areas of ambiguity in proposed change are identified.

4.3 Options for dealing with ambiguity and criteria for assessing those options are developed and communicated to the workgroup.

4.4 Best option is selected, work is undertaken and ambiguity handled in accordance with option determined.

4.5 The impact of change and identified related issues are communicated to management as required.

Required Skills

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

communicating with a diverse range of individuals at different levels in the organisation

applying problem solving strategies in the context of managing ambiguity and change

working in teams

applying monitoring and observation methods

giving and receiving feedback, including 'managing upwards'

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, policy and procedures relating to public sector workplaces

a range of change management models and their application to the work environment

organisational structure and culture

the nature of change and its effects in the workplace, including occupational health and safety issues such as workplace stress

group dynamics

emotional intelligence

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Prerequisite unitsthat must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Corequisite unitsthat must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Coassessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV408A Value diversity

PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict

PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies

PSPGOV414A Provide workplace mentoring

PSPGOV416A Monitor performance and provide feedback

PSPGOV418A Develop internal and external networks

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

provision of input to change in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the public sector environment

a range of change management models and their application

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing input to change processes

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment, or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing input to change processes, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

provision of input to change in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Risk factors may include:

disturbances to workflow

confusion/loss of confidence

budget constraints

supplier problems

product/service delivery problems

time delays

ineffective communication

lack of participation/buy in of staff in workplace change leading to resistance and conflict

Change may include:

imposed change

self-initiated change

implementation of new work practices

legislative change

changes in the machinery of government

organisational restructuring

technology transfer to the workplace

changing work practices and procedures

staffing changes

shared services environment

Legislation, policy and procedures may include:

Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation

government policy

public sector code of ethics

national standards

the organisation's policies and practices

environmental or sustainability practices

organisational code of conduct

Stakeholders may include:

all those individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation that have some direct interest in the organisation's behaviour, actions, products and services, including:

employees at all levels of the organisation

clients

other public sector organisations

community organisations

private sector organisations

union and association representatives

boards of management

government

Ministers

Evidence and information may include:

client surveys

employee satisfaction feedback

industrial disputes

supplier feedback

productivity/efficiency measures

cost savings

Negotiation may include:

assertiveness

collaboration

solution designing

confidence building

conflict reduction

stress management

empathising

techniques such as:

speaking skills

presentation techniques

effective listening

questioning techniques

verbal and non-verbal communication

using personal attributes

culturally appropriate strategies

constructive feedback

issues identification

exploring options

identifying areas of agreement

recording agreements.

clarifying

restating position

summarising progress

deferring decision

preparing a compromise

using a mediator/third party


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Working in Government.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.