ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Apply information relating to the Machinery of Government

1.1 Up-to-date information relating to Machinery of Government relevant to work responsibilities is identified, accessed and applied

1.2 Ambiguity in the structure and function of the organisation or work area as a result of past, present or future Machinery of Government changes is identified and advice obtained and implemented on required work priorities and outcomes for the transition period

1.3 Role ambiguity as a result of past, present or future Machinery of Government changes is managed in accordance with organisational directions

2. Apply knowledge of organisational functions

2.1 Up-to-date information relating to the structure and functions of the organisation is accessed and applied

2.2 Appropriate persons are identified to ensure correct levels of authority are utilised to deal with responsibilities within the organisation

2.3 Areas of work where delegations apply are identified and delegation levels within the organisation are confirmed in accordance with organisational procedures/guidelines

2.4 Approvals are obtained in the workplace in accordance with organisational delegations

3. Apply knowledge of protocols

3.1 Up-to-date information relating to government protocols is identified, accessed and applied

3.2 Protocols are observed in dealings with other organisations and with persons from within and outside the organisation

3.3 Written protocols, formats and standards are adhered to in writing government documents

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

locating and accessing information

acquiring, retaining and recalling information

applying information and protocols

discarding redundant information

dealing with ambiguity and Machinery of Government changes

communicating with a diverse workforce

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying workplace safety procedures in the context of work in the public sector

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

Westminster System

separation of powers

systems of government

Parliamentary structures (bicameral/unicameral)

role and function of Parliament

role and structures of Parliamentary committees

application of statutory requirements imposed by central agencies such as Treasury, Premiers, Prime Minister and Cabinet

delegations

Parliamentary procedures impacting on the organisation (such as petitions, Ministerial statements, Question Time, Questions without Notice, Questions on Notice)

Parliamentary process and how it affects operational objectives and timeframes

Cabinet processes

Bill to Act process

Machinery of Government and administrative arrangements

range and type of legislation relating to the public sector including occupational health and safety

public sector code/s of ethics, code/s of conduct and statements of values

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

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

Pre-requisite unitsthat must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite unitsthat must be assessed with this unit:Nil

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

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans

PSPGOV405B Provide input to change processes

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV407B Provide a quotation

PSPGOV409A Provide support to Parliament

PSPPROC410A Administer contracts

PSPREG410B Give evidence

PSPREG411A Gather information through interviews

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 government processes in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) in generalist or specialist work activities such as delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, administering contracts, etc

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

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

organisational structures

Machinery of Government information

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying government 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 applying government processes, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

applying government processes in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) in contexts relating to generalist or specialist work activities such delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, administering contracts, etc.

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

simulation or role plays

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

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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Machinery of Government may include

cycles of government, such as budget cycle

separation of powers (Executive, Judiciary, Legislative)

levels of government (Federal, State/Territory, Local)

legislative process

role and functions of parliamentary structures (unicameral, bicameral)

Cabinet

Ministers

Ministerial portfolios

structure and functions of government departments

quasi-government organisations

Information may include

documents

databases

web sites

oral information from:

managers

supervisors

colleagues

Organisational structures may include

bureaucratic structure and hierarchy

key personnel and their roles

key organisational functions and accountabilities

Protocols may include

forms of address

who may be addressed directly

written protocols/formats for written materials

restrictions relating to contact with:

Minister's office

media

members of the public/specific interest groups

Members of Parliament

other government departments

senior management/Board members

government and opposition parties

Working in Government

This unit contains employability skills.