ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collect, analyse and evaluate personal information

1.1 Information is collected from the subject to be assessed in accordance with the purpose of the security assessment.

1.2 Where gaps, anomalies, deficiencies or discrepancies exist in the information provided, additional information is obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

1.3 Information is corroborated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures and assessed for its validity and reliability.

1.4 Analysis is conducted in accordance with general suitability indicators in accordance with legislation and security standards.

1.5 Data is extracted and interpreted and outcomes are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

1.6 Assessment process is conducted with care and sensitivity to assist subjects to deal with its discriminatory and intrusive nature.

2. Make recommendations on security assessment outcomes

2.1 Recommendations are formulated consistent with the information obtained.

2.2 Recommendations are consistent with organisational guidelines and security standards.

2.3 Recommendations are conveyed in accordance with organisational guidelines.

2.4 Where recommendations are negative, the right to seek a review of the decision is confirmed with the requester of the security assessment and the subject, where appropriate, in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2.5 Improvements to procedures are recommended as required as part of the cycle of continuous improvement.

3. Record and report on personnel security assessments

3.1 Accurate, complete, up-to-date records are presented in the required format.

3.2 Reports are prepared that are clear, fair and objective and use language suited to the purpose of the report and organisational requirements.

3.3 Reports are presented in the required format.

3.4 Urgency and levels of risk are addressed in reports.

3.5 Procedures for storage and management of confidential and sensitive information are adhered to.

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 personnel security assessments

undertaking critical analysis, evaluation and deductive reasoning

applying problem solving and decision making

corroborating information

organising information in a logical manner

writing reports and recommendations

using computer technology

managing files

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of personnel security assessments

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

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

occupational health and safety

public service Acts

Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Privacy Act 1988

fraud control policy

protective security policy

Protective Security Policy Framework

general suitability indicators

international treaties and protocols

formats for different types of reports

risk assessment

management of secure information

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of personnel security assessments

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:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSEC401A Undertake government security risk analysis

PSPSEC402A Implement security risk treatments

PSPSEC403A Develop and advise on government security procedures

PSPSEC405A Handle security classified information

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)

conduct of personnel security assessments 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 the conduct of personnel security assessments

Commonwealth Protective Security Manual

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when conducting personnel security assessments

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 conducting personnel security assessments, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

conduct of personnel security assessments 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, such as reports

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.

Information may include:

birth certificate

marriage certificate

decree nisi/decree absolute

deed poll

academic qualifications/academic transcripts

employment histories

citizenship

passport

defence forces discharge certificate

Security assessment may be for:

initial evaluation

re-evaluation

temporary access

emergency access

provisional access

limited higher access

Corroboration of information may be with:

official records

referee reports

employer records

third party reports

Assessment of information may relate to:

character

attributes

background

actions

anything in a person's background or lifestyle likely to pose a security threat

Legislation and security standards may include those referred to in:

public service Acts

protective security policy

fraud control policy

Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1985

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Privacy Act 1988

occupational health and safety

AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and Guidelines

Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)

Protective Security Policy Framework

Recommendations may relate to:

assessment of suitability

action required

Completeness of records includes:

request from someone other than the subject, such as a supervisor

despatch of information pack/forms

all enquiries and responses

receipt of incoming documents

consent to collect/corroborate information

personal security file

Reports may include:

interview reports

assessment reports

case notes

incidents

records of interview

notes for file