List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge | 1.1 | Build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental issues through networking and researching examples of environmental management best practice. |
| 1.2 | Collate and store information in accordance with workplace requirements. |
| 1.3 | Apply acquired information to improve the quality of work outputs. |
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2 | Define and analyse the request for advice | 2.1 | Confirm and record the source, nature and priority of the client request. |
| 2.2 | Clarify the issue/problem/requested information and analyse the risks involved with providing advice. |
| 2.3 | Clarify workplace communication protocols and redirect the request to a more relevant person, if appropriate. |
| 2.4 | Seek guidance from relevant personnel, as necessary. |
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3 | Gather and analyse relevant information | 3.1 | Identify the information required to formulate useful advice. |
| 3.2 | Identify available sources of information that are relevant and reliable. |
| 3.3 | Obtain external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. |
| 3.4 | Analyse available information to identify issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends in data that are of interest to the client. |
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4 | Formulate advice | 4.1 | Develop advice options that are based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices. |
| 4.2 | Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion. |
| 4.3 | Justify any assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence. |
| 4.4 | If necessary, discuss options with client and/or relevant personnel, incorporate their feedback and finalise advice. |
| 4.5 | Ensure that advice is accurate and meets the client’s needs. |
| 4.6 | Obtain authorisation to release advice to client in accordance with workplace communication protocols. |
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5 | Communicate advice to client | 5.1 | Provide timely, authorised advice in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a format/manner that suits the client. |
| 5.2 | Check and confirm client’s understanding of the advice provided. |
| 5.3 | Use feedback from clients to improve the way advice is developed and provided. |
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6 | Record details of the request and advice | 6.1 | Record accurate details of request, client contact and advice in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 6.2 | File records in accordance with workplace procedures. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
providing reliable environmental advice (about environmental issues, problems or aspects of environmental management plans, policies and procedures that are relevant to a specific site, project or program) for at least two (2) different clients
describing actions taken to develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge relevant to their job role
clarifying and prioritising client requests for environmental advice and analysing the risks involved
locating, analysing and synthesising sufficient information to address the environmental issues, principles, legal requirements and patterns/trends in data of interest to the client
clearly explaining complex environmental management concepts, principles and procedures and legislative/regulatory requirements
summarising and organising environmental information in a logical sequence for clients
providing environmental advice that meets the client’s needs and is based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices
listening actively, asking questions and using feedback to clarify options and improve the quality of environmental advice provided to clients
releasing authorised advice to clients in accordance with workplace procedures
presenting accurate information using language, style and format that is readily understood
communicating advice to clients within the expected timeframe and confirming their understanding
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
maintaining records and the security/confidentiality of information in accordance with workplace procedures.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
common environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles relevant to job role
common sources of environmental information relevant to job role
environmental legislative/regulatory requirements and responsibilities relevant to site/project/program
workplace environmental management plans, workplace procedures for identifying and assessing environmental risks and impacts, providing advice and responding to environmental incidents
specific site/project/program characteristics, nature of activities conducted at site, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts; recommended control measures and management actions
workplace procedures for managing security and confidentiality of information, managing client relations, responding to complaints, release of authorised advice, records management and reporting.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of environmental advice and supporting documentation prepared by the candidate for at least two (2) different clients
feedback from a manager that the candidate provides reliable and timely environmental advice that meets clients’ needs
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge of environmental management terms and principles, legislative/regulatory requirements for site/project/program, workplace environmental management plans, workplace policies and procedures governing provision of advice to clients
analysis of case studies requiring advice about environmental issues/problems within the candidate’s scope of responsibility
observation of the candidate presenting advice to clients.
Access is required to workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
site/project/program history
reports, published case studies and research findings relevant to site/project/program
relevant legislation, codes, standards, workplace environmental management policies, plans, procedures and checklists
access to a computer, internet, data sets, workplace information management system and reports.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.