ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop knowledge of ethical and professional issues.

1.1. Use reliable sources of information to ensure that knowledge of ethical practice and professional issues is current, comprehensive and relevant.

1.2. Maintain productive professional relationships and networks to facilitate awareness of current issues.

1.3. Analyse applicable codes of ethics and conduct and their relationship to work practices.

2. Apply ethical standards to professional practices.

2.1. Reflect on and evaluate ethical practices in work assignments.

2.2. Identify and examine factors that impact on professional and ethical decision making.

2.3. Apply codes of ethics and conduct and standards of professional practice to develop strategies for dealing with possible dilemmas.

2.4. Promote ethical standards and practice with clients, colleagues and others.

3. Evaluate professional practices and knowledge related to ethical practice.

3.1. Monitor and review practice in relation to standards of ethics and conduct.

3.2. Seek advice and feedback on performance to improve ethical practice.

3.3. Participate in professional development activities and networks to address identified needs in current ethical practice.

Required skills

communication skills to:

participate in professional networks and exchange professional opinions

express and seek advice on professional issues and dilemmas

interpersonal skills to:

apply cultural and linguistic protocols to a range of work situations

develop and use contacts and networks to enhance professional knowledge

maintain appropriate standards of behaviour and presentation in all work situations

demonstrate confidence and assertiveness when necessary

language skills to understand and apply protocols in work performance

literacy skills to read and apply industry codes and standards

analytical skills to:

develop broad knowledge and skills required to make professional judgments

evaluate and adjust work plans to exercise informed professional judgment

research skills to identify and use professional resources, associations and networks

technology skills to:

order and maintain professional resources

conduct research and maintain communication with e-networks

use relevant equipment

self-evaluation skills to:

identify gaps in skills and knowledge and in professional experience and confidence

identify personal development needs to meet professional and business objectives

Required knowledge

industry standards of professional behaviour and presentation relating to practice

networks relevant to own professional practice

professional techniques, strategies and responsibilities of translators and interpreters

types and sources of professional resources

situations posing dilemmas and their implications for professional judgment and decisions

relevant professional codes of ethics and conduct

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms the candidate's ability to evaluate ethical and professional issues and apply them to work practices in a diverse range of general environments. This includes:

applying codes of ethics and professional standards to practice, including situations involving:

potential conflict of interest

conflict between client requirements and industry standards

differences in expectations caused by cultural requirements

dilemmas caused by tensions between personal and professional standards of practice and values

reflecting on practice and participating in professional development activities and networks to address identified needs.

maintaining knowledge of ethical and professional issues and requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit of competency will make use of scenarios, case studies, experiences and, where possible, examples of interactions with colleagues and clients that illustrate issues of professional judgments and ethical decision making.

Resources for assessment include:

relevant codes of ethics, professional standards and professional and business procedures

professional associations, networks and peer support activities

performance reviews and practice reflection

professional development and networking activities

feedback from clients, agencies and employers

Evidence for assessment should be gathered to demonstrate a range of experiences with applying codes and standards to maintain ethical practice in different requirements and conditions and with examples of both accepting and declining assignments based on ethical action. Evidence may include examples of negotiations with client expectations, using the resources of professional associations or employers, and should also include evidence of decision making where there are ethical, business and professional issues influencing decisions.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Ethical practices may include:

acknowledging and respecting the attitudes and beliefs of others

separating professional and personal activities and interests

demonstrating effective interpersonal communication skills

maintaining informed ethical practice in the face of opposition, conflict, professional challenges and limited resources

modelling high standards of behaviour and presentation

offering and accepting advice as feedback on performance and for guidance and recommendations

acknowledging and working within scope of personal competence

keeping to commitments

meeting performance requirements, including:

adequate preparation, personal presentation and time management

cooperating with colleagues in team and relay interpreting

responsibility to communication

Factors may include:

potential conflict of interest

obligations of duty of care

responsibility to communication

expectations of different parties

Review practice may include:

ongoing education and training

self-evaluation

participating in networking opportunities