Application
This unit describes the skills required to provide policy advice to policy developers, internal policy staff and other staff, and for external queries from the government, Ministers, other public sector organisations and the public. It includes interpreting and advising on public policy, and providing input to policy evaluation and review.
This unit applies to those working 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. Interpret and advise on public policy | 1.1 Analyse policy and provide interpretations on its intent and implications. 1.2 Provide interpretive advice on the relevant acts, regulations, procedures, codes of practice, standards and guidelines related to policy. 1.3 Provide written interpretations supported by defensible evidence and reflect consideration of their intended use and consequences. 1.4 Communicate policy advice. 1.5 Resolve policy questions referred by policy staff or use consultative mechanisms to gain additional clarification. |
2. Provide input to policy evaluation and review | 2.1 Capture and analyse policy feedback data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and any implementation issues. 2.2 Analyse both planned and unintentional outcomes of policy implementation and provide feedback against the evaluation criteria in the policy implementation plan. 2.3 Prepare and provide a comparison of the intended versus actual outcomes of policy implementation. 2.4 Monitor internal and external environments for policy implications, and prepare strategies to respond to potential or impending policy changes. 2.5 Prepare recommendations for continuous improvement, termination or succession of policies. |
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, including policy and legislation
researching, analysing and presenting information
preparing written reports
dealing with different points of view and dissenting stakeholders
providing policy advice on 3 or more occasions or in 3 or more contexts
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
current policies underpinning the work area
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