Application
This unit describes the skills required to complete, review and report on the results of an investigation. It includes finalising the investigation, handling complaints and appeals, preparing an investigation report and using investigation outcomes.
This unit applies to those working in a range of regulatory work environments comprising gathering, managing and interpreting documentary evidence to determine appropriate responses including reporting and acting on investigation outcomes.
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, particularly those related to WHS and environment in the context of investigations.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently using support from a range of established resources to perform complex tasks in a range of contexts, including some that are unfamiliar and/or unpredictable.
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. Address investigation outcomes | 1.1 Complete documentation if no breach has occurred or no action is to be taken, including reasons and justification. 1.2 Prepare and submit a record of the investigation and consequent recommendations for action. 1.3 Respond to complaints, appeals and the potential role of the ombudsman. 1.4 Advise relevant personnel on the outcome of the investigation. 1.5 Make recommendation for referral to another organisation as required and document for the organisation's information. |
2. Report findings | 2.1 Prepare finalisation report in relation to the findings and submission of evidence, with recommendations for subsequent action if relevant. 2.2 Prepare report and refer to relevant personnel for further action. |
3. Finalise investigation | 3.1 Undertake self-assessment of the conduct of the investigation and provide verbal and written briefings. 3.2 Inform relevant external organisations of outcomes and document this action. 3.3 Update organisational systems regularly, contributing investigation results for the development of statistics, trends and precedents. |
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 two occasions.
undertaking analysis and problem-solving
engaging in exchanges of sometimes complex oral information
varying style and language during briefings to suit audience
writing summaries, briefing papers and reports requiring clarity, accuracy and formality of structure and language
applying analytical techniques, logic and reasoning to identify and select avenues of inquiry and substantiate these choices
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 relating to the offences under investigation
investigation principles and the range of investigation techniques available
organisational guidelines for reporting and information management
ethical standards
principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity
operational safety
legislation related to anti-discrimination and disability
different types of criminal activity and their elements
available resources which may need to be deployed to support the investigation
security issues and classifications
legal and ethical considerations in investigations which involve juveniles and indigenous people
knowledge of case management systems and the range of contexts in which they can be applied
court procedures and evidentiary in provision of briefs of evidence for use by the prosecution
role and functions of other agencies who work with policing in the conduct of investigations
methods and process for subject/suspect identification and profiling
Assessment Conditions
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 initiating investigations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Investigation