ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Summarise and report on progress of investigation

1.1 Ongoing monitoring of the investigation, changes in direction and resource implications are recorded and reported.

1.2 Progress, problems and resource usage are reviewed in accordance with the investigation plan.

1.3 Progress reports/briefings are prepared and disseminated in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.4 Records and systems are secured and updated regularly in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2. Identify and analyse problems

2.1 Problems are recorded and suggestions made for resolving or referring them.

2.2 Modifications to the process of investigation are suggested and solutions are implemented where practicable.

2.3 Referral of the investigation to another agency is recommended where jurisdiction/resources make this the preferred option under organisational policy and procedures.

2.4 If no further action is to be taken on an investigation, reasons and supporting documentation are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2.5 If an investigation is terminated, recommendations for referral to another organisation are made if appropriate and are documented for the organisation's information in future similar cases.

3. Recommend further action

3.1 Any areas of potential risk identified by/affecting the investigation are notified in accordance with organisational policy and procedures, together with suggestions for early intervention measures.

3.2 Suggestions are made regarding further avenues of enquiry.

3.3 Follow-up tasks are identified and actioned in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

undertaking analysis and problem-solving

engaging in exchanges of sometimes complex oral information

varying style and language during briefings to suit a range of audiences

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

writing summaries, briefing papers and reports requiring clarity, accuracy and formality of structure and language

applying public sector standards and legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of investigations

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation relating to the offences under investigation

procedures for investigation

administrative legislation relating to the organisation

organisational guidelines for reporting and information management

legal and organisational requirements for documentation

ethical standards

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment relating to the conduct of investigations

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers

PSPREG404C Investigate non-compliance

PSPREG412A Gather and manage evidence

PSPREG419A Finalise and report on investigations

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

advice on the progress of investigations in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to investigations

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when advising on the progress of an investigation

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when advising on the progress of investigations, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

advice on the progress of investigations in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Progress in an investigation requires:

effective administrative processes for all aspects of the investigation

appropriate resource allocation

correct evidence collection and management

availability of witnesses and evidence

authorisations (e.g. from an authorised justice)

Briefings may include:

written

oral

formal

informal

Securing records and systems may include:

standard security procedures

security classification of records

restricting access to records

restricting electronic access to systems

restricting physical access to systems and records

Modifications may include:

re-evaluating the resources of the investigation

referring the matter to another organisation

Areas of potential risk may include:

those affecting the investigation:

public interest in investigation

hostile witness/es

ill-health of witness

flight risk of those being investigated

those identified by the investigation:

potential for fraud/corruption elsewhere in an organisation or other organisations

inadequate security arrangements uncovered

likelihood of other potential perpetrators

Follow-up tasks may include:

referrals to prosecution organisations

completion of documentation

referral for recovery action, which may be accompanied by liquidity analysis

reporting results to superiors

updating files