1. Develop workplace policy and procedures

1.1 Scope of policy and procedures is defined.

1.2 Stakeholders are identified and consulted as a key component of the development process.

1.3 Operational strategies relevant to all stages of work covered by the policy are reviewed.

1.4 Recommendations for policy and procedures options based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost are proposed.

1.5 The organisation's purposeand operational goals are reflected in the policy and procedures.

1.6 Implementation strategy is agreed.

2. Communicate the policy

2.1 The policy and procedures and the expected outcome are promoted to key stakeholders.

2.2 The expected outcomes, activities to be undertaken and responsibilities are assigned and those involved in implementing the policy and procedures are informed.

3. Implement the policy

3.1 Processes to help implement the policy and procedures are developed and communicated.

3.2 Record system for tracking adoption of policy and procedures is established.

4. Review policy implementation

4.1 Outcomes and feedback are provided to key personnel and stakeholders.

4.2 Issues and non-conformances that may require remedial action are identified.

4.3 Success or otherwise of policy and procedures is investigated.

4.4 Policy and/or procedures are modified as required.

Required skills includes:

Ability to:

develop and implement policies and procedures

interpret business/strategic plans

evaluate complex and formal documents such as policy, legislation and seed testing protocols

research, analysing and presenting information

prepare written reports

communicate with a range of different workplace personnel

deal with different points of view and dissenting stakeholders.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

relevant policy and procedure development and implementation processes

legislation, protocols and rules impacting on the laboratory workplace

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles and occupational health and safety implications of policy/s being developed.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

develop workplace policy and procedures

prepare strategies for communicating and implementing policy and procedures

monitor and analyse effectiveness of policy and procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This Unit of Competency should be assessed in a laboratory environment that is accredited by either ISTA or NATA, as appropriate.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the candidate's interactions with and instruction of, personnel

review of verified records and reports generated by the candidate

feedback from managers regarding the candidate's ability to implement relevant enterprise procedures

review of information developed by the candidate and provided to the workgroup.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Policy and procedures may include:

workplace operations; work instructions; temporary instructions; and compliance with industry and government codes and standards.

Stakeholders may include:

employees at all levels of the organisation; certifying agencies; customers; suppliers; regulators; other organisations.

Implementation strategies may include:

awareness raising among stakeholders.

training of staff in new/altered procedures

marketing and promotional activities.