ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Receive security classified information

1.1 Security classified information is received and checked to ensure transmission protocols have been adhered to

1.2 Action is taken in accordance with security policy and procedures where protocols have not been adhered to

1.3 Security classified information is recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

2. Deal with security classified information

2.1 Security classified information is reviewed to ensure classification meets the organisation's security policy for protection of information

2.2 Aggregated security classified information is reviewed to ensure that it is classified in accordance with security requirements

2.3 Classification requirement is checked to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from the compromise of the information's confidentiality, integrity and availability

2.4 Originators of information who classify documents are contacted to discuss re-classification or de-classification where necessary

2.5 Security classified information is transmitted in accordance with organisational security policy and procedures

2.6 Expert advice is obtained as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

3. Maintain security classified information

3.1 Security classified information is secured in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

3.2 Security classified information is accounted for in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

3.3 Security classified information is disposed of in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

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 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 security classified information

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

undertaking recordkeeping requiring attention to detail, and adherence to standards

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of government security management

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

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

standards for management of security classified information

classification system for national security and non-national security information

procedures for confirming initial security classifications

international protocols and treaties impacting on government security management

available sources of expert advice

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of government security management

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 unitsthat must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite unitsthat 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

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers

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)

security classified information handled 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 handling security classified information

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when handling security classified information

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 handling security classified information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

security classified information handled 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

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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Security classified information may include

hard copy

electronic

audio-visual

photographic

encrypted

national security classified

non-national security classified

classified by third parties

Security classified information may be received by

hand

mail

safe hand mail

courier

electronic means

Reviewed information may include

single or aggregated information

Transmission may be by

hand

mail

courier

electronic means

Expert advice may include

agency security adviser/s

specialist agencies such as:

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Australian Public Service Commission

Defence Signals Directorate

Australian Federal Police

Attorney-General's Department

Australian National Audit Office

office of Privacy Commissioner

Securing practices may include

correct filing

clean desk

quitting all electronic systems and networks

checking environment including:

desks

whiteboards

waste bins

computer drives

containers

cabinets

safes

vaults

windows

doors

safe carriage of keys

Accounting for security classified information may include

audit

spot checks

correct notation or markings

file records

transmission records

receipts

Methods of disposal may include

pulping

burning

pulverisation

shredding

overwriting

degaussing

destruction

archiving

Government Security Management

This unit contains employability skills.