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 | Confirm decision-making process with manager | 1.1 | Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions. |
| 1.2 | Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process. |
| 1.3 | Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved. |
| 1.4 | Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility. |
| 1.5 | Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available. |
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2 | Identify information needs, sources and collection methods | 2.1 | Identify the information required for a reliable decision. |
| 2.2 | Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context. |
| 2.3 | Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical. |
| 2.4 | Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. |
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3 | Engage interested parties to inform decision making | 3.1 | Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute. |
| 3.2 | Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process. |
| 3.3 | Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions. |
| 3.4 | Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views. |
| 3.5 | Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood. |
| 3.6 | Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options. |
| 3.7 | Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood. |
| 3.8 | Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making. |
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4 | Gather and analyse information needed for decision making | 4.1 | Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements. |
| 4.2 | Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions. |
| 4.3 | Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends. |
| 4.4 | Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion. |
| 4.5 | Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence. |
| 4.6 | Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making. |
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5 | Make decisions and/or provide recommendations | 5.1 | Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each. |
| 5.2 | Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures. |
| 5.3 | Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations. |
| 5.4 | Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility. |
| 5.5 | Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken. |
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6 | Communicate information and decisions | 6.1 | Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients. |
| 6.2 | Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided. |
| 6.3 | Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided. |
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7 | Review contribution to decision-making process | 7.1 | Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement. |
| 7.2 | Report findings to relevant personnel. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include demonstration of:
making decisions and/or providing recommendations about environmental issues (within scope of job role) on at least two (2) different occasions
accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, standards, environmental management plans, workplace procedures relating to community engagement, communication protocols and decision making
identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid decisions and/or sound recommendations
clearly explaining complex environmental management concepts, principles and procedures and legislative/regulatory requirements
listening actively, asking questions and clarifying issues to encourage participation, collect feedback and resolve differences of opinion
adapting communication style, language and/or media to suit audience
consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the decision-making process
analysing information rigorously to provide logical, evidence-based recommendations and/or decisions
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
providing reliable and timely reports/presentations/briefings to clients and confirming their understanding
reviewing information collection strategies, engagement activities and own contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles relevant to job role
site/project/program characteristics, nature of activities conducted, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts
environmental legislative/regulatory requirements, approvals, permits, licences and responsibilities relevant to site/project/program
risk/impact assessments, workplace environmental management plans, procedures, control measures and management actions for site/project/program
workplace procedures for engaging interested parties, managing stakeholder relations, responding to complaints and requests for information, and record management and reporting
good practice models for community engagement and environmental decision making
techniques covering interpersonal communication, negotiating, lobbying, influencing, problem-solving and conflict resolution
relevant hazards, health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures.
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 information/recommendations/decisions/reports prepared by the candidate about the issue/problem for interested parties
feedback from managers and/or stakeholder representatives that the candidate is able to contribute effectively to environmental decision making within their scope of responsibility
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s understanding of environmental management terms, principles and procedures, workplace procedures and strategies for community engagement and decision making, and techniques for analysing information
analysis of case studies involving issues/problems within the candidate’s scope of responsibility
observation of the candidate engaging with interested parties to collect/provide information, seek feedback and/or present recommendations/decisions.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
site/project/program history
relevant legislation, codes, standards, workplace environmental management policies, plans, procedures and checklists
access to a computer, internet, maps, data sets, workplace reports, published case studies and research.
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 relevant environmental monitoring, management or technology services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.