This unit applies to individuals with a sound theoretical knowledge base in unionism and industrial relations who provide leadership to members and staff in the union workplace. They carry high levels of responsibility and work at a senior level in the organisation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Research issues and develop options

1.1. Gain authority to undertake policy review or development

1.2. Determine and document rationale for review or development of policy

1.3. Gather and review relevant information to inform policy

1.4. Utilise mechanisms to generate policy ideas from members

1.5. Identify policy options

2. Develop policy

2.1. Ensure consultation occurs with members and other stakeholders about policy issues

2.2. Draft policy based on key issues and for consistency with union values

2.3. Undertake consultation with key stakeholders in relation to the policy

2.4. Review draft policy and where appropriate revise draft policy in light of consultations undertaken

2.5. Check policy to ensure that format and style facilitate understanding and implementation

2.6. Gain formal approval for policy in accordance with union protocols and procedures

3. Implement policy

3.1. Develop strategy to implement policy in consultation with key stakeholders

3.2. Ensure key indicators and measurements for outcomes are built into strategy

3.3. Circulate strategy through available communication channels

3.4. Designate appropriate actions to individuals and ensure all staff are trained or receive instruction in the implementation of the strategy

3.5. Establish or adapt internal systems and procedures to support strategy implementation

3.6. Ensure all relevant staff are made aware of the strategy

4. Manage policy implementation and review

4.1. Store policy for ready access

4.2. Evaluate strategy and policy regularly, and update to reflect legislative and other changes and developments

4.3. Ensure policy is referred to, implemented and applied in relevant situations

Required skills

communication skills to consult with the membership, and to network and harness support for new policy

high level writing skills to ensure policy is clear and well written and reflects union needs

research skills to collect and analyse information, to analyse data and to review current literature.

Required knowledge

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

union context, such as:

awards and agreements

existing policies and procedures

industry issues

international considerations

membership

political position/s

relevant industrial issues

strategic direction, vision, culture and values

union structure.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

evidence of policies that have been thoroughly researched, are relevant to the union's needs, and which have been widely circulated, supported and implemented

knowledge of union context in terms of awards and agreements, and existing policies and procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to workplace and union documents.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

review of documented rationale for review or development of policy

evaluation of identified policy options

review of strategies developed to implement policy

evaluation of communication channels used to circulate strategy

demonstration of techniques.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other workplace relations units.

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.

Relevant information may include:

legislation

legislative and legal/industrial inquiries and/or reviews

opinions

other policy - both internal and external

research literature and reports

statistics and data

Consultation could include:

discussion - both informal and formal

focus groups

forums

meeting of members

national or international agencies/bodies

other unions and/or stakeholders

surveys and questionnaires

Changes and developments could include:

changes in government policy

changes in policies of national and international peak union bodies

changes in strategic direction

changes in the policies of other unions

economic changes

political changes

Unit sector

Workforce Development - Workplace Relations

This unit contains employability skills.