ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Research ethical and professional issues

1.1. Maintain detailed knowledge of ethical and professional practice and issues using reliable sources of information.

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

1.3. Monitor and analyse trends to anticipate developments and directions in the field.

1.4. Research industry discussion of professional ethical codes applied to the practitioner role.

2. Develop professional practices and knowledge

2.1. Analyse applicable codes of ethics and conduct and their relationship to work practices and the exercise of professional judgement.

2.2. Integrate developments and trends impacting on professional practice into work performance.

2.3. Identify current approaches for maintaining and improving professional judgement and development.

3. Apply professional standards, knowledge and judgment to practice

3.1. Reflect on and evaluate professional practices in work goals and plans.

3.2. Apply and promote ethical standards, codes and practices with clients, colleagues and others.

3.3. Identify and examine factors that impact on professional and ethical decision making and exercise professional judgement in choosing resolution strategies.

3.4. Collaborate constructively in professional relationships to enhance own practice and the provision of peer support.

3.5. Apply standards of ethical practice when contributing to professional debates, forums and providing feedback to colleagues.

3.6. Regularly evaluate quality and success of professional judgement in meeting planned, professional and career outcomes.

Required skills

communication skills to:

participate in professional networks

exchange professional opinions and advice

express professional issues, dilemmas, and judgments in a constructive manner

initiative and enterprise skills to:

evaluate professional practice to maintain and improve performance

understand and adapt to performance contexts and needs

interpersonal skills to:

demonstrate confidence and assertiveness when necessary

apply cultural and linguistic protocols in the exercise of professional judgment

develop and use contacts and networks to enhance professional knowledge

literacy skills to read and apply industry codes and standards

problem-solving skills to:

address ethical dilemmas

analyse and anticipate professional trends and directions

analytical skills to:

develop broad skills and knowledge required to make professional judgements

evaluate, adjust and develop awareness of the implications and impact of professional judgment and ethical decision making

research skills to identify and use a broad range of professional resources, associations and networks

self-management skills to:

routinely reflect on judgments and decisions

model high standards of professional judgment

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

policy, cultural, technological and economic trends impacting on translating and interpreting

networks relevant to own professional practice

professional techniques, strategies and responsibilities of translators and interpreters

types and sources of professional resources

ethical issues and their implications for professional judgement and decision making

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 critically evaluate professional judgment issues and apply them to work practices in a diverse range of environments. This includes:

researching and analysing ethical and professional practice issues

maintaining knowledge of ethical and professional issues

applying critical professional judgement to achieve ethical and strategic work outcomes

applying ethical codes and standards to practice, including in situations where there are:

potential conflicts of interest

conflict between client requirements and industry standards

tensions between personal and client or colleague values

differences in expectations caused by cultural influences

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

reflecting on practice and justifying judgements and decisions

maintaining and developing effective professional relationships and networks

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 judgements and ethical decision making.

Resources for assessment include:

relevant professional codes, standards and professional and business procedures

feedback from clients, agencies and employers

professional networks and peer support activities

performance reviews and practice reflection

professional development activities

This competency is ideally assessed on the basis of evidence provided by professional assignments, but may also be assessed using a range of scenarios which simulate realistic assignments and experiences. This unit may be assessed in conjunction with other translating and interpreting assignments.

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.

Developments and trends may include:

legislative or regulatory changes

new developments, directions or trends in translating and interpreting

policy changes in relation to language services

positions taken by professional associations

Innovative approaches may include:

assignment review and maintenance

networking

ongoing education and training

self-evaluation

strategic or business planning

Professional practices may include:

respecting the attitudes and beliefs of others

separating professional and personal activities and interests

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

modelling high standards of behaviour and presentation

offering and accepting advice such as feedback, guidance and recommendations

acknowledging and working within scope of personal competence

meeting performance requirements, including:

adequate preparation, personal presentation and time management

responsibility to communication

cooperating with colleagues

making informed ethical decisions in accordance with relevant codes of ethics and conduct

Promoting ethical standards may include:

demonstrating probity in all areas of responsibility

modelling professional codes of conduct

communicating and modelling new and revised policy directions in translating and interpreting

supporting colleagues in ethical conduct

Factors may include:

potential conflict of interest

obligations of duty of care

responsibility to communication

expectations of different parties

Professional judgement may include:

interpreting professional standards and codes of ethics

applying standards and codes in a range of professional and intercultural contexts