Application
The application of this unit is relevant for search and rescue coordinators in relation to an incident/s requiring media involvement.
The application of this unit is also relevant for workplace personnel as part of their ongoing liaison with the media in accordance with organisational policies and procedures regarding communication with the media.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Assess scene and/or organisational requirements | 1.1 Organisational protocols are followed when liaising with the media 1.2 Restricted and/or special access areas are clearly defined to media personnel to safeguard the operation and to prevent contamination of evidence where relevant 1.3 Media access to personnel/volunteers/victims/casualties is controlled as appropriate 1.4 Operational responsibilities and provision of information to media is assessed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures |
2. Develop media strategy | 2.1 Media plan is used to form the media strategy 2.2 Arrangements are made to meet media requirements in accordance with incident characteristics, current developments and organisational and legal requirements 2.3 Organisational media representative is selected and briefed according to availability, knowledge of incident, media presence and role played in the incident, as appropriate 2.4 Media briefing area is allocated with required resources where possible 2.5 Media cooperation is gained in order to coordinate information flow and to provide information to the public on matters of safety and public interest 2.6 Media strategy is changed at any time to suit operational demands and/or level of incident 2.7 Approval is gained for information releases where appropriate 2.8 Information briefing sessions and tours are scheduled at appropriate times in line with operational responsibilities and media requirements 2.9 Media personnel and VIP are provided with occupational health and safety clothing where appropriate |
3. Provide information to media | 3.1 Organisational protocols are followed when liaising with the media 3.2 Provision of current developments of incident by organisational media representative is ensured where appropriate 3.3 Interview and photo opportunities are scheduled and conducted to provide information where appropriate 3.4 Other organisations are consulted with at the incident to ensure a consistent presentation of information to the media 3.5 Accurate records of media enquiries and interviews are maintained 3.6 Two-way communication process between organisation and media is maintained |
4. Promote the organisation via the media | 4.1 Work and achievements of organisation, volunteer and/or other organisational personnel at incident are promoted to assist in maintaining morale and public profile 4.2 Professional standards of the organisation and support for victims and others affected by the incident are reflected through own demeanour and presentation where relevant |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
attend to detail communicate facts in a fluent, clear and interesting manner conduct press conferences and group interviews liaise with media and other organisational personnel make media presentations retain professionalism under duress show empathy with victims and operational personnel undertake public speaking as required |
Required Knowledge |
current practices for media liaison newsworthiness of information organisational and legal requirements relating to confidentiality, libel, accuracy, discrimination organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability) requirements of different media: newspapers, magazines, radio, television requirements of local versus regional versus national media requirements of media to present information in a newsworthy/entertaining manner role of media in disseminating information |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: manage media to ensure integrity of information being disseminated communicate organisation's message accurately and in a professional manner in accordance with relevant jurisdictional policies and procedures. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or an environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered in the workplace, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine. Specific resources for assessment There are no specific resource requirements for this unit. |
Method of assessment | In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook. Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment. Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include: direct observation interviewing the candidate journals and workplace documentation third party reports from supervisors written or oral questions. |
Range Statement
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Organisational protocols may include: | Acknowledging support of other organisations Ensuring media liaison person is fully briefed and prepared Limiting comments on role of own service Organisational policies and procedures Personal presentation being as neat as possible considering the operational circumstances Relevant federal and state/territory legislation and regulations Seeking advice from headquarters where appropriate |
Liaising with the media may include: | Electronic Print (local, community, daily newspapers, magazines) Radio (live or pre-recorded) Relevant websites Television (live or pre-recorded) |
Media requirements may include: | Access for crew and equipment Bilingual briefing Community, commercial, government-owned media Facsimiles Food Human interest interviews and stories Individual requests from media personnel Interviews with particular personnel News angles Newsworthiness Onsite interviews Photographic/film opportunities Personal protective equipment Power outlets Print, radio, television Shelter Technical and other requirements of local, regional and national media Technical, such as lighting and sound Telephones |
Information which needs to be provided to the public may include: | Danger zones Emergency hotlines Evacuation details Facility closures Road closures Warnings Persons police are seeking to interview Public information/assurance |
Organisational and legal requirements may include: | Confidentiality Operational priorities Public safety Relating to occupational health and safety |
Organisational requirements for press conferences may include: | Currency of information Need for public assistance Operational requirements Policies and procedures |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.