The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine media requirements

1.1 Organisational protocols are followed when liaising with the media

1.2 The media's potential interest is assessed and arrangements are made to meet needs where appropriate

1.3 Operational responsibilities are balanced against the provision of information to the media

2. Provide information to the media

2.1 A positive image of the organisation is maintained when liaising with the media

2.2 Every opportunity is used to promote the organisation, its services and personnel

2.3 Relevant and succinct information is supplied to media when operational responsibilities are under control and when organisational representative is available to talk to the media

3. Publicise an event

3.1 Relationship is established with media contacts

3.2 Event details and support materials are gathered and presented in a logical, relevant and concise manner to the media

3.3 Information provided to media is recorded and maintained

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

attention to detail

communicating facts in a fluent, clear and interesting manner

empathy with victims and operational personnel

liaison with media and other organisation personnel

media presentation

prioritisation between operational responsibilities and provision of information to media

public speaking

retaining professionalism under duress

Required Knowledge

organisational protocols relating to media liaison (for example legal and organisation requirements relating to:

confidentiality

libel

accuracy

discrimination)

role of media in disseminating information

requirements of media to present information in a newsworthy/informative manner

requirements of different media:

newspapers

magazines

radio

television (local, regional, national media)

communication skills

establishing media relationship

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

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in providing information to media whilst managing operational responsibilities

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated work environment

Specific resources for assessment

No special requirements

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Organisation may include

Fire

Police

State Emergency Service

Emergency Management

Organisational protocols may include

organisational policies and procedures

personal presentation being as neat as possible considering the operational circumstances

ensuring media liaison person is fully briefed and prepared

acknowledge support of other organisations

seeking advice from headquarters where appropriate

limiting comments on role of own service

relevant Federal and State legislation and regulations

Liaising with the media may include

print (local, community, daily newspapers, magazines)

television (live or pre-recorded)

radio (live or pre-recorded)

Operational responsibilities may include

preservation of life and property, which is the principal concern to all public safety personnel

presenting information relevant to the public

Event may include

long service to organisation

medal presentation

awarding of certificates

donations/sponsorships/fundraising

recruiting

new equipment

VIP visit

open day

training

unusual rescues

self help information

Media's potential interest may include

enormous media event

standard report

human interest

in the public's interest

Media's requirements may include

deadlines

capabilities

visual and verbal requirements

types of medium

variation

journalists

amenities

briefing area

access to media liaison person

bilingual personnel and bilingual information

Media may include

representatives from mainstream, community and ethnic television

print and broadcast media

Organisational positive image may include

promote the relevance and efficiency of the service

report the facts

heroism of personnel

organisational personnel are co-operative and responsive

organisational personnel well presented

handling media in most positive manner in even the most adverse conditions/circumstances

Media opportunity may include

opportunity to promote the services

provide educational information to the public

airplay

Relevant and succinct information may include

information that according to protocol is available for public release

report facts and avoid speculation

do not supply classified information

use language that can be readily understood by all to avoid misinterpretation

This unit contains employability skills.