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

PUADEFEQ001B Work with equity and diversity

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Exhibit ethical standards

1.1 Compliance operations are applied in accordance with both individual service and wider Defence ethics, standards, policy and guidelines

1.2 Verbal and written advice and reports provided contain information which is impartial, substantiated, accurate and complete

1.3 Resources are used in accordance with Defence ethics, standards, policy and guidelines

1.4 Conflicts are identified, addressed and documented in accordance with policy and procedures

1.5 Relationships with public and private organisations are established and maintained in accordance with ethics, standards, policy and guidelines

1.6 Information on Defence ethical standards and values is provided to suppliers/providers, where appropriate

2. Deal with ethical problems

2.1 Situations which pose ethical problems are resolved or referred in accordance with Defence and individual service guidelines

2.2 Decision-making processes used to resolve ethical problems are recorded in accordance with Defence and individual service policy and procedures

2.3 Defence and individual service policies on the prevention and reporting of unethical conduct are accessed and applied

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

Required Skills

apply objectivity/impartiality of judgement when dealing with ethical issues

conceptual and analytical

evaluation and assessment of conflicting requirements

decision making

information technology for preparing written advice and reports requiring precision of expression

use an internet web browser to access references, legislation and codes of ethics

read complex and formal documents such as legislation and codes of ethics and applying them to work practices

adjust communication to suit different audiences

participate in team

encourage team members

follow instructions and directives

reads and understands the organisations plans, policies and procedures

Required Knowledge

nature of ethics and ethical values

fundamental ethical principles such as justice, respect for persons and responsible care

defence and individual service codes of ethics

natural justice/procedural fairness

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

policies and procedures for reporting fraud, corruption, mal-administration, breeches of ethics and conflicts of interest

models of ethical decision making

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

cultural differences

techniques for supporting team members

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to apply the knowledge and skills required to conduct oneself ethically and to deal with ethical problems in a range of situations.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

correctly apply the processes for resolving or referring ethical problems, including conflict of interest

identify unethical conduct and conflicts of interest

correctly deal with unethical conduct and conflicts of interest.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of contexts over time. Individuals should be observed and questioned when ethical issues arise during the conduct of routine tasks. At least two ethical problems should be posed requiring a response or action that can be assessed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed while routine tasks are undertaken under limited supervision with regular checks, but may take the form of some autonomy when working as part of a team.

Evidence should be gathered in the workplace or a simulated work environment by observing the individual completing operational tasks related to the critical aspects of evidence. Assessment may be by intermittent checking at various stages of each task or at the completion of each task in accordance with the performance criteria. Targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge should support practical assessments.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no special resource requirements for this unit.

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.

Defence environment may include

Barrack areas and the local environment during peacetime, but also on deployments, on exercises and in designated areas of operations

Ethics, values and principles may include

Respect for the law

Natural justice

Integrity

Objectivity

Accountability

Honesty

Openness

Responsibility

Impartiality

Diligence

Trustworthiness

Confidentiality

Respect for persons

Responsible care

Probity

Economy and efficiency

Loyalty

Selflessness

Adherence to the law

Procedural fairness i.e. the right to:

be heard/put your case

be informed of a complaint or case against you

privacy

representation

silence

fair trial

Individual service includes

Army

Navy

Air Force

Ethics, standards, policy and guidelines may include

Legislation dealing with public sector management, freedom of information, equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination law and diversity

Ministerial directives

Defence and individual service codes of ethics

Defence and individual service sets of values

Defence and individual service mission and values statements

Defence and individual service policies, procedures/guidelines

Resolving ethical problems may include

Accessing relevant standards and other information

Withdrawing from a situation

Using models of ethical decision-making

Reflection, discussion, seeking clarification from others

Reporting breaches of ethical conduct

Ethical problems may include

Both potential and actual conflicts between individuals and groups

Bribery

Improper use of official information

Gifts

Entertainment

Outside employment

Favours for friends, relatives

Membership of organisations

Political activity

Pecuniary and non-pecuniary conflicts

Ethical problems which may need to be referred rather than resolved at this level may include

Conflict between Defence and individual standards and personal values

Conflict between Defence standards and directions of a superior

Tension between two "rights" e.g. right to privacy versus right to freedom of information

Conflict between community expectations and the law

Unethical conduct may include

Fraud, corruption, mal-administration and waste

Unauthorised access to and use of information, money/finances, vehicles, equipment, resources

Improper public comment on matters relating to the government and/or Defence

Falsifying records, giving false testimonials, dishonesty

Improper use of telephones, credit cards, frequent flyer points, email and internet

Extravagant or wasteful practices

Personal favours, preferential treatment

Compromising behaviour including sexual harassment

Directing others to act unethically

Oppressive/coercive management decisions

Displaying violent behaviour

Displaying insubordination

Resorting to illegality to obtain evidence

This unit contains employability skills.