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 | Plan review/audit activities with manager or lead auditor | 1.1 | Review legislative and/or regulatory compliance requirements and relevant workplace policies and procedures. |
| 1.2 | Clarify objectives and scope of the activities planned together with the risks, constraints and resources available. |
| 1.3 | Clarify site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited. |
| 1.4 | Confirm own role and responsibility for specific review/audit tasks. |
| 1.5 | Plan the review/audit activities to minimise workplace disruption and ensure they can be safely conducted within agreed time intervals/timeframes. |
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2 | Prepare for assigned review/audit activities | 2.1 | Gather background information relevant to site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited. |
| 2.2 | Scrutinise the relevant review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements to enhance own objectivity and attention to detail. |
| 2.3 | Identify any technical and equipment requirements for review/audit and if support personnel are required. |
| 2.4 | Inform all personnel involved and arrange meetings or appointments, as necessary. |
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3 | Conduct assigned review/audit activities | 3.1 | Collect a representative sample of site documentation. |
| 3.2 | Collect sufficient information from observations and interviews to provide reliable evidence of environmental performance. |
| 3.3 | Work cooperatively with personnel to maximise their ownership of the review/audit and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance. |
| 3.4 | Keep accurate records of observations and interview responses. |
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4 | Analyse information and evaluate performance | 4.1 | Analyse information to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk. |
| 4.2 | Recognise instances of non-conformance/non-compliance and identify options for improving performance. |
| 4.3 | Evaluate performance against specified benchmarks and support conclusions with appropriate evidence. |
| 4.4 | Seek manager or lead auditor’s advice when issues or problems are beyond own scope of responsibility/competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required. |
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5 | Report review/audit results | 5.1 | Document results in accordance with relevant standard/workplace procedures and compare with initial objectives. |
| 5.2 | Confirm results with manager/lead auditor. |
| 5.3 | Report results to appropriate personnel for action 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:
planning, organising, conducting and evaluating environmental review/audit activities on at least two (2) occasions
accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, audit standards, environmental management plans, workplace policies, procedures and plans for review/audit activities
preparing for environmental review/audit activities by scrutinising relevant background information, review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements
consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the review/audit process
clearly explaining environmental performance requirements and review/audit procedures
identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid judgements about environmental performance
analysing information systematically to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk; and instances of non-conformance/non-compliance
evaluating performance against specified benchmarks and identifying corrective/preventative actions and/or improvement strategies
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
providing clear, timely reports/briefings containing evidence-based findings and recommendations that enable effective action to be taken
recognising hazards, assessing risks and working safely.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
environmental protection/management/audit terminology, concepts, principles and examples of best practice relevant to job role
legislative/regulatory requirements and compliance strategies
key aspects of workplace environmental management systems (EMS), policies, procedures and plans
procedures for conducting environmental performance review/audit activities
procedures for site sampling, environmental monitoring and testing and reporting of results
correct use of review/audit tools (e.g. performance criteria, checklists and benchmarks)
common examples of environmental non-conformance/non-compliance, and corrective/preventative actions and strategies for improving environmental performance
common issues and problems that may arise when conducting environmental review/audit activities and the recommended actions in each case
hazards and risks relevant to review/audit activities and specified 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 results of review/audit activities and the supporting documentation prepared by the candidate
feedback from site personnel, lead auditor or manager that the candidate follows relevant audit standards and procedures and provides reliable outputs within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s understanding of environmental management terms, principles and information, and workplace procedures for review/audit activities
analysis of case studies involving environmental performance issues/problems within the candidate’s scope of responsibility
observation of the candidate presenting of audit/review findings and recommendations and/or interacting with site personnel during review/audit activities.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
background information for site
current site documentation
relevant legislation, codes, audit standards, workplace EMS, policies, plans and procedures
workplace review/audit procedures and tools
access to site personnel, computer, internet, 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.