PSPSEC009
Handle sensitive information


Application

This unit describes the skills required to receive, deal with, maintain and dispose of sensitive information.

This unit applies to those working in a security role where they would receive, deal with and maintain sensitive information.

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 generally work independently, as part of a team and with occasional supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar 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. Receive sensitive information

1.1 Receive and check sensitive information to ensure transmission protocols have been exercised.

1.2 Take action if protocols have not been adhered to.

1.3 Record sensitive information.

2. Deal with sensitive information

2.1 Review sensitive information to ensure classification meets the security policy for protection of information.

2.2 Review aggregated sensitive information to ensure that it is classified.

2.3 Check classification requirement to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from any compromise of the information’s confidentiality, integrity and availability.

2.4 Contact originators of information responsible for classifying the documents to discuss reclassification or declassification where necessary.

2.5 Transmit sensitive information.

2.6 Obtain expert advice as required.

3. Maintain sensitive information

3.1 Secure and account for sensitive information.

3.2 Dispose of sensitive information.

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.

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to government security management

applying security classification systems

using analysis and problem solving

tailoring communication to the needs of a diverse range of people inside and outside the organisation who classify, transmit or advise on sensitive 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.

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to government security management

standards for management of sensitive information

classification system for national security and nonnational security information

procedures for confirming initial security classifications

international protocols and treaties impacting on government security management

available sources of expert advice

procedures relating to WHS and environment in the context of government security management

equity and diversity principles


Assessment Conditions

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 handling sensitive information.

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

Security