Application
This unit describes the skills required to develop or review internal policy in an organisation, formulated to facilitate the implementation of government or board directives. It includes anticipating and confirming the need for policy development or review; planning the policy development process; gathering and analysing information; determining policy direction; and drafting, releasing and promoting policy.
This unit applies to public sector staff working in policy development.
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, while performing complex tasks in familiar context.
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. Assess the need for policy development and/or review | 1.1 Identify internal and external factors, issues, events, directions or government and/or board policies likely to cause changes to organisation policy. 1.2 Identify the likely implications and impact of factors on policy development in consultation with stakeholders. 1.3 Conduct a critical analysis of the need for new or revised policy including a scan of the wider internal and external environment. 1.4 Recommend priority areas for policy development and/or review. 1.5 Detail confirmation of the need for policy development and/or review with supporting evidence. |
2. Plan the policy development process | 2.1 Confirm the approving authority and relevant organisational procedures and protocols. 2.2 Identify and analyse issues likely to impact on the policy development process and address risks in planning. 2.3 Outline policy requirements in a policy development plan. |
3. Gather and analyse information for policy development | 3.1 Identify and engage with stakeholders through the establishment and maintenance of a representative and relevant policy network. 3.2 Identify, gather, analyse and interpret information required to support the policy development process. 3.3 Determine and apply an analytical framework for the development of the policy. |
4. Determine policy direction | 4.1 Develop a range of policy options and criteria for choice and communicate them to those responsible for selecting the policy direction. 4.2 Promote specific policy options to executives within the organisation. 4.3 Recommend preferred policy option. 4.4 Determine risk treatments in accordance with the policy development plan. 4.5 Obtain approvals. |
5. Draft policy | 5.1 Implement a cyclical process of consultation, feedback, identification of changes and re drafting. 5.2 Implement risk management processes in accordance with the policy development plan to ensure progress against the timeframe and milestones. 5.3 Add an implementation plan in the policy that details responsibilities for implementation and strategies for transition, change management, initial and ongoing training and maintenance of the policy. 5.4 Add mechanisms within the policy for monitoring compliance, quality assurance, and evaluation of the policy. |
6. Finalise development of policy | 6.1 Clear policy through organisational channels, and gain agreement of critical stakeholders. 6.2 Ensure all stakeholders, particularly those who will be responsible for implementing the new or revised policy, are informed of the outcomes, and manage fallout from dissenting stakeholders. 6.3 Release and promote policy. |
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 one occasion.
reading and evaluating complex and formal documents
researching, analysing and presenting information
preparing written reports
consulting on and validating policy
dealing with different points of view and dissenting stakeholders
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 development processes and practices in the public sector
policy cycles
analytical policy development frameworks
current policies underpinning the work area
organisation and government procedures and protocols
public sector code/s of ethics and code/s of conduct
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