Application
This unit describes the skills required to assist with policy development including planning, researching, drafting and dissemination of policy.
This unit applies to public sector staff working on policy development process.
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 independently. They would perform 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. Assist with policy development planning | 1.1 Conduct research to identify related policies for context and identify other policies likely to be impacted. 1.2 Identify key internal and external stakeholders ensuring their engagement as early as possible and throughout the policy development process. 1.3 Provide research assistance to determine the content of key aspects to be included in the policy development plan. |
2. Research information for policy development | 2.1 Identify, evaluate and collate information required to support the policy development process. 2.2 Identify and record gaps, ambiguity and conflicting views, conduct additional research to clarify if necessary and refer to the principal policy developer if required. |
3. Contribute to the development of policy options | 3.1 Formulate and analyse possible policy options under guidance, to identify strengths and weaknesses. 3.2 Research and prioritise possible criteria for choosing preferred policy options. |
4. Assist in drafting policy | 4.1 Produce initial drafts or selected sections of the policy. 4.2 Capture written and oral feedback from stakeholders and include in draft as required. 4.3 Monitor the progress of policy development against the timeframe and milestones. |
5. Assist with policy dissemination | 5.1 Identify recipients for approved policy documents, particularly those responsible for implementing the new or revised policy, and inform them of outcomes. 5.2 Deal with routine enquiries on the release and content of the policy, or refer accordingly. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion:
reading and evaluating complex and formal documents
researching, analysing and presenting information
preparing written reports requiring language and structures suited to the intended audience
reconciling different points of view and conflicting information
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.
policy cycle, development processes and practices
current policies underpinning the work area
policy research methods and protocols
organisation and government procedures and protocols
public sector code/s of ethics and code/s of conduct
principles of community engagement in policy development
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
Policy