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

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment must be gathered over a significant period of time and in conjunction with assessment activities and evidence gathered for all other units at the qualification level where the assessment activity includes the preparation of reports.

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 knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to prepare reports in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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 reading and writing routine workplace reports, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of routine reading and writing situations likely to be encountered in the organisation

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to preparing written reports and working ethically and professionally within the organisation

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit will be based on evidence drawn from a combination of:

knowledge testing and simulation exercises conducted in a training program

knowledge tested or inferred from explanations and performance in workplace applications

observation of performance in routine workplace activities in a specified range of interactions

organisational standards specifying the requirements for communication

workplace reports produced as part of routine work activities

observation and documentation from specially conducted assignments based on routine work requirements

observation and feedback from supervisors, colleagues and clients.

This unit requires evidence of reports prepared for:

audiences with different levels of authority and status

routine and predictable contexts as well as for non-routine activities

audiences inside the organisation

audiences outside the organisation

operating procedures and work unit requirements.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

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

Required skills:

adjusting written communication to suit audience and situation

applying appropriate written communication techniques to workplace situations

reading, analysing and interpreting documents containing the required information

checking and confirming with reliable sources inside and outside the organisation the accuracy and relevance of information

checking what extra information is needed and finding it where appropriate

sorting information into a logical pattern

making conclusions that are clearly based on the information

recording complete, accurate, clear and objective information

presenting written material in the range of media used in the workplace, including information technology software (e.g. word processing packages)

recognising the urgency and high risk components of specific reports

handling and storing information securely and safely and with an awareness of environmental and sustainable practices

using the organisation's information system.

Required knowledge:

organisation's policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements for report writing

correct format, language and form required by the organisation

basic written communication techniques, including barriers to effective communication

protocols and procedures for communicating in writing with others

rules of evidence

security of information, freedom of information and confidentiality of information

relevant cultural practices within the organisation and community

identification of discriminative language

technical and professional language used in the government and community safety sectors

legislation and statutory obligations of reporting in own state or territory justice system, including legal requirements of own role and responsibilities.

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. Add any 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.

Types of reports can include:

incident reports

witness reports

routine periodic reports

occupational health and safety reports

case management reports

reports of meetings.

Collect information from a range of different sources and strategies may include:

organisation's information recording and storage system

paper and computer sources of data and information

interviews

incident reports

case notes

colleagues.

Written material will include evidence of:

informal reports and documents for internal use

electronic files using the information technology required by the work site

correcting and updating information

complying with the organisation's procedures for the storage, security and confidentiality of information.

Legislative requirements, and organisational policies and procedures may relate to:

confidentiality

authorised access to or use of information

freedom of information

protection of privacy

data protection and the storage and security of information

use of information technology and other electronic or telecommunication systems.