Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSS027004 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Contribute to environmental decision making

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS027004 - Contribute to environmental decision making
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to gather and analyse information about environmental issues to inform workplace decision making and make valid decisions within a defined scope of responsibility. Personnel are required to implement relevant workplace policies/procedures, consult with and involve interested parties, develop well researched positions, make decisions and/or provide sound recommendations for consideration by decision makers, and to inform others about decisions. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or workplace environmental manager.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental site coordinators, environmental managers and senior environmental officers working in all industry sectors. Note that the term ‘manager’ is used to refer to management of a function, project and/or program and does not necessarily imply line management. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Management
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Confirm decision-making process with manager
  • Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions.
  • Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process.
  • Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved.
  • Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility.
  • Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available.
       
Element: Identify information needs, sources and collection methods
  • Identify the information required for a reliable decision.
  • Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context.
  • Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical.
  • Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
       
Element: Engage interested parties to inform decision making
  • Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute.
  • Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process.
  • Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions.
  • Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views.
  • Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood.
  • Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options.
  • Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood.
  • Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making.
       
Element: Gather and analyse information needed for decision making
  • Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements.
  • Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions.
  • Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends.
  • Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.
  • Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.
  • Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making.
       
Element: Make decisions and/or provide recommendations
  • Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each.
  • Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures.
  • Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations.
  • Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility.
  • Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken.
       
Element: Communicate information and decisions
  • Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients.
  • Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided.
  • Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided.
       
Element: Review contribution to decision-making process
  • Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Report findings to relevant personnel.
       


Evidence Required

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection; cultural/heritage protection; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS), and handling of dangerous goods

Australian and international standards covering environmental management, such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

site/project/program information, such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, community engagement, management of stakeholder relations and communication protocols, site processes, work schedules, emergency preparedness and response procedures, job hazard analyses, safe work procedures and work method statements

workplace environmental management plans and monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks for specific sites, projects and/or programs (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); work schedules; recording and reporting procedures; equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Environmental issues and problems include one or more of:

modifying/developing/negotiating land use and other site agreements

identifying and addressing cultural heritage issues

managing site amenity and access issues

designing/conducting environmental monitoring baseline studies and social risk/impact assessments

managing expectations and addressing community concerns about impacts, community development and local employment opportunities

responding to community or stakeholder complaints

responding to environmental exceedances (e.g. noise, dust and water quality) and adverse audit findings

investigating/responding to environmental incidents or adverse audit findings

informing interested parties about changes to site/project operations

involving interested parties in site/project closure planning

developing a site rehabilitation program.

Information includes one or more of:

legislation, regulations, guidelines, standards, codes of practice, licence conditions and approval processes

environmental management case studies, research findings and models of good practice

workplace environmental management policies and procedures

site/project initial advice statements, risk/impact assessments and environmental management plans

records of site consultations with interested parties

site/project environmental reports (e.g. weekly and monthly monitoring)

environmental data sets, such as:

satellite imagery and remote sensing data

geophysical, geochemical, geological, hydrological and meteorological data

ecological data, such as distribution of vegetation, fauna and pests

social science data, such as demographic and census information

land use data, zoning and property classifications

historical records and photographs

community surveys

maps (road and topographical) and aerial photos

site utilities/services (e.g. water, sewer, electricity and gas).

Sources of information include one or more of:

government departments and agencies (e.g. environment, climate change, agriculture, mining and land use/planning)

utility authorities/companies (e.g. water, gas and electricity)

Land Title Office and Valuer General

local government records

Geoscience Australia

Australian Social Science Data Archive

companies providing environmental services

internet, library/archive collections, annual reports and community newsletters.

Information collection methods include one or more of:

accessing external publications, workplace files and reports

conducting internet searches

conducting interviews with workplace personnel, government representatives and interested parties

consulting with external experts

holding discussion groups, learning circles, workshops, reference groups and community consultative committees

conducting community/stakeholder surveys.

External expert opinion includes one or more of:

government regulators

environmental consultants, contractors

solicitors

environmental scientists, engineers and planners

professional groups and organisations

community leaders, tribal elders and traditional owners.

Strategies and activities to encourage effective participation in decision making include one or more of:

one-on-one informal or impromptu discussions

formal interviews

regular briefings

public meetings, focus groups and workshops

a site/project visitor centre, open days and site visits

hotline or 24 hour contact numbers to record issues or complaints

websites

direct mail or newsletters

links with community liaison or advisory groups

translation of key information into local languages.

WHS requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions. 
Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process. 
Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved. 
Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility. 
Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available. 
Identify the information required for a reliable decision. 
Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context. 
Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical. 
Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. 
Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute. 
Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process. 
Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions. 
Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views. 
Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood. 
Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options. 
Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood. 
Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making. 
Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements. 
Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions. 
Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends. 
Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion. 
Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence. 
Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making. 
Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each. 
Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures. 
Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations. 
Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility. 
Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken. 
Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients. 
Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided. 
Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided. 
Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement. 
Report findings to relevant personnel. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS027004 - Contribute to environmental decision making
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

MSS027004 - Contribute to environmental decision making

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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