PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents

PSPGOV413A Compose complex

workplace documents

Revision Number: 2

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 2 of 10

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents

Modification History

PSPGOV413A Release 1: Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

PSPGOV413A Release 2: Primary release.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers written communication involving the evaluation and composition of complex

workplace documents. It includes interpreting and evaluating workplace information,

composing complex written materials and editing.

In practice, composing complex workplace documents may overlap with other generalist or

specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation,

applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc.

This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that

deal with written communication. Related units are:

 PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materials

 PSPGOV313A Compose workplace documents

 PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documents

 PSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materials

Application of the Unit

Not applicable.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 3 of 10

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements are the essential

outcomes of the unit of

competency.

Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for

competent performance. Text in bold italics is explained in the

Range Statement following.

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 4 of 10

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Interpret and

evaluate workplace

information

1.1 Information is sourced from inside and outside the organisation

in accordance with organisational requirements and sources

analysed for reliability.

1.2 Cultural context of the information is distinguished and used to

aid in interpretation.

1.3 Information is analysed for relevance to own work and

assistance is sought with interpretation of complex materials in

accordance with organisational procedures.

1.4 Assumed prior knowledge underpinning workplace information

is identified and additional information is gathered if necessary

to allow interpretation.

1.5 Implications of information are passed on to relevant personnel

in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

2. Compose complex

written materials

2.1 The purpose, objectives and format for the materials are

determined in accordance with organisational requirements.

2.2 Information to inform the document is sourced, collated in a

logical manner and assessed for relevance and inclusion.

2.3 Content, structure and sequencing of materials are determined

in line with the purpose and intended audience.

2.4 Options/recommendations are considered for inclusion.

2.5 Possible impact on the target audience is assessed and potential

criticism countered where necessary.

2.6 Written materials are composed, reviewed to confirm

objectives, organisational and legislative requirements are

met, and materials are submitted within required timeframes.

3. Edit written material

3.1 Intent of the communication is confirmed.

3.2 Content is checked and proofread for grammar, spelling and

punctuation.

3.3 Communication is assessed in light of the needs of the intended

audience.

3.4 Recommendations for improvement are made if necessary and

explained/recorded in a manner that provides a learning

opportunity for the future.

3.5 Information is amended if required, and submitted for approval

in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 5 of 10

Required Skills and Knowledge

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

this unit.

Skill requirements:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

 reading and writing at a complex level to cope with a range of workplace materials

 integrating information from a diverse number of sources in order to generate

meaning

 writing and sequencing abstract concepts according to the required purpose of

written material

 linking complex ideas in written material through selection and use of words,

grammatical structures, headings and punctuation appropriate to the purpose

 spelling, punctuation and grammar for workplace documents at an experienced

level

 responding to diversity, including gender and disability

 implementing ergonomic requirements for office work

 complying with environmental policies such as those relating to paper

use/wastage/recycling

Knowledge requirements:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

 legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to written

communication in the public sector such as privacy, freedom of information,

information security, confidentiality, copyright

 principles of effective written communication at a high level of complexity

 differences in register/style between workplace communication for different

purposes

 government style manual

 organisation protocols for a range of complex written communication

 channels of communication and processes for obtaining advice, approvals etc

 organisational policy for recordkeeping - paper-based and electronic

 equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

 public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in

the context of preparing written materials

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 6 of 10

Evidence Guide

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of

competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance

Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training

Package.

Units to be assessed

together

 Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit: Nil

 Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit: Nil

 Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to

increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process

include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of

public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV405B Provide input to change processes

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV408A Value diversity

PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the

public sector

PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and

programs

Overview of evidence

requirements

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

 advanced communication strategies used in a range of (3 or

more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to

carry out assessment

These resources include:

 legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to

communication in the public sector, including freedom of

information, privacy, equal employment opportunity,

anti-discrimination, occupational health and safety

 case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of

advanced communication situations likely to be encountered

and required in the public sector

Where and how to

assess evidence

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

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 7 of 10

encountered when using advanced communication strategies,

including coping with difficulties, irregularities and

breakdowns in routine

 advanced communication strategies used in a range of (3 or

more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as

literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

 people with disabilities

 people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

 women

 young people

 older people

 people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of

this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination

of 2 or more of:

 case studies

 demonstration

 observation

 portfolios

 questioning

 scenarios

 simulation or role plays

 authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training

courses

For consistency of

assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to

ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the

competency in different situations or environments.

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 8 of 10

Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency

is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the

Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work

requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for

assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is

explained here.

Information for

evaluation may include:

 applications

 briefing papers

 discussion papers

 expert opinion

 literature

 minutes

 project briefs

 reports

 research

 speeches

 strategic and operational plans

 submissions

 web site information

Purpose may include:

 to influence opinion

 to report on achievement

 to recommend options and corresponding actions

 to meet regulatory requirements

 to meet public sector reporting requirements

 to develop policy

 to document policy

 to obtain funding

 to provide briefing material

 to provide or contribute to strategic planning

 to respond to enquiries/complaints

Materials to be composed

may include:

 position papers

 discussion papers

 briefing materials

 funding submissions

 business cases

 project briefs

 reports

 operational and other plans

Content, structure and

sequencing may include:

 facts and observations

 case studies

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 9 of 10

 critical analysis

 opinion

 creative ideas

 recommendations and supporting arguments

 anticipated arguments and rebuttals

 conclusions

 division into chapters or sections

 tables of contents and indexes

 glossaries

 executive summary

 precis

 chronological structure

 alphabetic structure

 operating sequence

Organisational and

legislative requirements

may include:

 use of plain English

 style formats

 acknowledgements

 particular terminology to be used/not used:

 acronyms

 technical terms

 bureaucratic language

 abbreviations

 requirements for minimising jargon in written materials

 requirements for written material to take account of cultural,

ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities, etiquette

 guidelines for illustrative items

 standards for references, acknowledgements, citations,

footnotes, endnotes, bibliographies

 particular communication channels

 State/Territory or Commonwealth legislation, regulations,

policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation

and security of written information in the public sector,

including freedom of information, copyright, privacy,

confidentiality, equal employment opportunity, diversity,

occupational health and safety

 risk assessment

 information security requirements

 public sector standards

 fraud control standards

 codes of practice

 codes of ethics

 private or confidential materials

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents Date this document was generated: 27 May 2012

Approved Page 10 of 10

 embargoed materials

 security requirements

 politically sensitive materials

 security standards for government information

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.

Competency field

Working in Government.