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.

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
This may include the use of languages other than English and alternative communication systems

Assessment may take place on more than one occasion but must cover assessment of all aspects of formulating and applying a business plan

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resource requirements for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment:

Assessment may include observations, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace

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

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

Importance of principles and practices to enhance sustainability in the workplace, including environmental, economic, workforce and social sustainability

Organisation development and management

Process re-engineering

Quality assurance

Strategic planning principles and approaches

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use business plan as part of and to assist in improvement of the service or organisation

Consult with relevant people

Ensure business plan meets legislative and legal requirements

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including:

negotiations

language competence required to fulfil the procedures of the organisation/service

language used may be English, signing or a community language

literacy competence required to fulfil organisation's procedures

language used may be English or a community language

numeracy competence required to complete financial plans for the organisation

Demonstrate effective time management and work planning

Demonstrate awareness and understanding of effectiveness of individuals and teams in the service

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Strategic plan will depend on:

Service/organisation philosophy

Size and scale of the service/organisation

The client focus and needs

The community within which it operates

The level of available funding and the need to raise finance

The level of risk involved

Strategic plan should include:

Cash flow forecast

Income and expenditure statement

Mission, goals and objectives

Performance measures

Quality assurance mechanisms

Strategies for achieving goals

Work plans

Financial plan takes account of:

A review of financial inputs required sources and forms of finance

Current financial state of the organisation

Financial performance to date

Forms of finance including working capital, fixed capital, debt and equity capital

Projections of likely financial results budgeting

Risks and measures to manage or minimise risks

Sources of finance may be:

Borrowing/investments

Commercial activities

Financial institutions

Government sources

Industry sources

Through donations

Projections may include:

Cash flow estimates

Estimates of profit and loss

Resource requirements

Stakeholders may include:

Clients

Community

Government and/or funding bodies

Industry associations

Management

Providers of finance

Suppliers of resources

Workers