ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Advise on sensitive situations

1.1 Close communication is maintained with national, regional and local media to identify and anticipate issues of significance to the organisation.

1.2 Trends, public opinion and perspectives are identified and assessed for their impact on the organisation.

1.3 Advice is provided on sensitive issues as they arise and on emerging issues that may be politically sensitive for the organisation.

1.4 Advice is based on well-researched background information, is objective and meets the organisation's needs.

1.5 Advice is structured to include strategies for dealing with sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality, and handling consequences if confidentiality is breached.

2. Advise on reactions to organisational action

2.1 Proposed organisational policies, programs and actions are analysed for their impact on clients and/or the public.

2.2 Advice is provided on anticipated or actual public and media reaction to proposed organisational changes.

2.3 Strategies for ensuring full understanding of the benefits of change, minimising damage to the organisation's image and reputation, and recommendations to counter negative publicity are included in advice given.

2.4 Candid, objective and confidential advice is provided in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

3. Advise on organisational materials

3.1 Draft materials produced by the organisation are analysed for political, social or economic issues relevant to the government as a whole, the intended audience and/or the public.

3.2 Cultural context of the information is identified in terms of its relevance or otherwise to the target audience and the general population.

3.3 Stereotypes, bias, prejudice and motive are identified and highlighted for amendment.

3.4 Key issues are identified, fact is separated from opinion and underlying values and beliefs explored.

3.5 Information is synthesised and advice/feedback is prepared to ensure publications meet organisational standards and contribute to public affairs outcomes.

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to public affairs

analysing organisational policy, core business, client group etc to identify potential for sensitive issues

using discretion and judgment with sensitive issues

providing candid confidential advice

analysing and interpreting organisational materials to advise on changes to address sensitive issues

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and the environment in the context of public affairs

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to public affairs

maintaining relationships with key media contacts

journalistic and interpretive writing

strategies to deal with sensitive situations to defend the organisation's position in the face of criticism

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and the environment in the context of public affairs

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 units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that 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:

PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPGOV601B Apply government systems

PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion

PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials

PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity

PSPMNGT608B Manage risk

PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies

PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety

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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

provision of a public affairs advisory service 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 public affairs

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing a public affairs advisory service

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 a public affairs advisory service, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

provision of a public affairs advisory service 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

demonstration

observation

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 bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Media may include:

press

radio

television

film

magazines

print

graphic

electronic

computer

telecommunications

Sensitive situations may include:

complaints

incidents

poor client service

inappropriate actions

criminal activity

emergencies

industrial issues

safety issues

strict application of policy and procedures in circumstances that might warrant alternative action

release of confidential information

politically unpopular decisions

Legislation, policies and procedures may include:

State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards relating to public affairs, such as:

ethics and accountability guidelines/codes of practice

information security standards

principles of equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity

confidentiality

freedom of information

privacy

intellectual property

copyright

risk management

fraud control