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Evidence Guide: MSS027003 - Provide environmental advice to clients

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS027003 - Provide environmental advice to clients

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge

  1. Build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental issues through networking and researching examples of environmental management best practice.
  2. Collate and store information in accordance with workplace requirements.
  3. Apply acquired information to improve the quality of work outputs.
Build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental issues through networking and researching examples of environmental management best practice.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collate and store information in accordance with workplace requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply acquired information to improve the quality of work outputs.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Define and analyse the request for advice

  1. Confirm and record the source, nature and priority of the client request.
  2. Clarify the issue/problem/requested information and analyse the risks involved with providing advice.
  3. Clarify workplace communication protocols and redirect the request to a more relevant person, if appropriate.
  4. Seek guidance from relevant personnel, as necessary.
Confirm and record the source, nature and priority of the client request.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify the issue/problem/requested information and analyse the risks involved with providing advice.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify workplace communication protocols and redirect the request to a more relevant person, if appropriate.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seek guidance from relevant personnel, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gather and analyse relevant information

  1. Identify the information required to formulate useful advice.
  2. Identify available sources of information that are relevant and reliable.
  3. Obtain external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
  4. Analyse available information to identify issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends in data that are of interest to the client.
Identify the information required to formulate useful advice.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify available sources of information that are relevant and reliable.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse available information to identify issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends in data that are of interest to the client.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formulate advice

  1. Develop advice options that are based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices.
  2. Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.
  3. Justify any assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.
  4. If necessary, discuss options with client and/or relevant personnel, incorporate their feedback and finalise advice.
  5. Ensure that advice is accurate and meets the client’s needs.
  6. Obtain authorisation to release advice to client in accordance with workplace communication protocols.
Develop advice options that are based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justify any assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If necessary, discuss options with client and/or relevant personnel, incorporate their feedback and finalise advice.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure that advice is accurate and meets the client’s needs.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain authorisation to release advice to client in accordance with workplace communication protocols.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate advice to client

  1. Provide timely, authorised advice in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a format/manner that suits the client.
  2. Check and confirm client’s understanding of the advice provided.
  3. Use feedback from clients to improve the way advice is developed and provided.
Provide timely, authorised advice in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a format/manner that suits the client.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check and confirm client’s understanding of the advice provided.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use feedback from clients to improve the way advice is developed and provided.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record details of the request and advice

  1. Record accurate details of request, client contact and advice in accordance with workplace procedures.
  2. File records in accordance with workplace procedures.
Record accurate details of request, client contact and advice in accordance with workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File records in accordance with workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge

1.1

Build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental issues through networking and researching examples of environmental management best practice.

1.2

Collate and store information in accordance with workplace requirements.

1.3

Apply acquired information to improve the quality of work outputs.

2

Define and analyse the request for advice

2.1

Confirm and record the source, nature and priority of the client request.

2.2

Clarify the issue/problem/requested information and analyse the risks involved with providing advice.

2.3

Clarify workplace communication protocols and redirect the request to a more relevant person, if appropriate.

2.4

Seek guidance from relevant personnel, as necessary.

3

Gather and analyse relevant information

3.1

Identify the information required to formulate useful advice.

3.2

Identify available sources of information that are relevant and reliable.

3.3

Obtain external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

3.4

Analyse available information to identify issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends in data that are of interest to the client.

4

Formulate advice

4.1

Develop advice options that are based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices.

4.2

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

4.3

Justify any assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.

4.4

If necessary, discuss options with client and/or relevant personnel, incorporate their feedback and finalise advice.

4.5

Ensure that advice is accurate and meets the client’s needs.

4.6

Obtain authorisation to release advice to client in accordance with workplace communication protocols.

5

Communicate advice to client

5.1

Provide timely, authorised advice in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a format/manner that suits the client.

5.2

Check and confirm client’s understanding of the advice provided.

5.3

Use feedback from clients to improve the way advice is developed and provided.

6

Record details of the request and advice

6.1

Record accurate details of request, client contact and advice in accordance with workplace procedures.

6.2

File records in accordance with workplace procedures.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge

1.1

Build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental issues through networking and researching examples of environmental management best practice.

1.2

Collate and store information in accordance with workplace requirements.

1.3

Apply acquired information to improve the quality of work outputs.

2

Define and analyse the request for advice

2.1

Confirm and record the source, nature and priority of the client request.

2.2

Clarify the issue/problem/requested information and analyse the risks involved with providing advice.

2.3

Clarify workplace communication protocols and redirect the request to a more relevant person, if appropriate.

2.4

Seek guidance from relevant personnel, as necessary.

3

Gather and analyse relevant information

3.1

Identify the information required to formulate useful advice.

3.2

Identify available sources of information that are relevant and reliable.

3.3

Obtain external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

3.4

Analyse available information to identify issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends in data that are of interest to the client.

4

Formulate advice

4.1

Develop advice options that are based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices.

4.2

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

4.3

Justify any assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.

4.4

If necessary, discuss options with client and/or relevant personnel, incorporate their feedback and finalise advice.

4.5

Ensure that advice is accurate and meets the client’s needs.

4.6

Obtain authorisation to release advice to client in accordance with workplace communication protocols.

5

Communicate advice to client

5.1

Provide timely, authorised advice in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a format/manner that suits the client.

5.2

Check and confirm client’s understanding of the advice provided.

5.3

Use feedback from clients to improve the way advice is developed and provided.

6

Record details of the request and advice

6.1

Record accurate details of request, client contact and advice in accordance with workplace procedures.

6.2

File records in accordance with workplace procedures.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

providing reliable environmental advice (about environmental issues, problems or aspects of environmental management plans, policies and procedures that are relevant to a specific site, project or program) for at least two (2) different clients

describing actions taken to develop and maintain specialist environmental knowledge relevant to their job role

clarifying and prioritising client requests for environmental advice and analysing the risks involved

locating, analysing and synthesising sufficient information to address the environmental issues, principles, legal requirements and patterns/trends in data of interest to the client

clearly explaining complex environmental management concepts, principles and procedures and legislative/regulatory requirements

summarising and organising environmental information in a logical sequence for clients

providing environmental advice that meets the client’s needs and is based on clear legislative requirements and/or sound environmental management practices

listening actively, asking questions and using feedback to clarify options and improve the quality of environmental advice provided to clients

releasing authorised advice to clients in accordance with workplace procedures

presenting accurate information using language, style and format that is readily understood

communicating advice to clients within the expected timeframe and confirming their understanding

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

maintaining records and the security/confidentiality of information in accordance with workplace procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

common environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles relevant to job role

common sources of environmental information relevant to job role

environmental legislative/regulatory requirements and responsibilities relevant to site/project/program

workplace environmental management plans, workplace procedures for identifying and assessing environmental risks and impacts, providing advice and responding to environmental incidents

specific site/project/program characteristics, nature of activities conducted at site, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts; recommended control measures and management actions

workplace procedures for managing security and confidentiality of information, managing client relations, responding to complaints, release of authorised advice, records management and reporting.

Range Statement

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 sites; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

national strategies dealing with water quality management, ecologically sustainable development, greenhouse and energy reporting

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

information for specific sites and/or activities (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining), such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, workplace environmental and emergency management plans and procedures, site processes and work schedules, monitoring/inspection procedures and environmental management actions, sampling and in-situ measurement procedures

procedures covering receipt of requests for information and release of information data and results, confidentiality and security of workplace information, records and reporting

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

Environmental issues and problems include one or more of:

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 non-conformance, non-compliance and incidents

informing interested parties about changes to site/project/program operations

involving interested parties in site/project/program closure planning

developing and coordinating a site rehabilitation program

developing environmental management strategies (e.g. for water use, wastewater, energy, waste and sustainability).

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 plans, policies, strategies and procedures

site/project initial advice statements and risk/impact assessments

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)

government reports

articles (e.g. online, academic, newspaper and journal).

Sources of information include one or more of:

government departments and agencies (e.g. environment, climate change, agriculture and mining)

regulatory authorities

universities, cooperative research centres

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.

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 and tribal elders.

WHS and environmental management 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.