NTISthis.com

Evidence Guide: MSS027004 - Contribute to environmental decision making

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

 

MSS027004 - Contribute to environmental decision making

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

Confirm decision-making process with manager

  1. Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions.
  2. Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process.
  3. Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved.
  4. Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility.
  5. Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available.
Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify information needs, sources and collection methods

  1. Identify the information required for a reliable decision.
  2. Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context.
  3. Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical.
  4. Seek external expert opinion and advice in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
Identify the information required for a reliable decision.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engage interested parties to inform decision making

  1. Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute.
  2. Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process.
  3. Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions.
  4. Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views.
  5. Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood.
  6. Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options.
  7. Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood.
  8. Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making.
Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gather and analyse information needed for decision making

  1. Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements.
  2. Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions.
  3. Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends.
  4. Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.
  5. Justify assumptions made and support conclusions with reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.
  6. Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making.
Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make decisions and/or provide recommendations

  1. Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each.
  2. Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures.
  3. Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations.
  4. Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility.
  5. Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken.
Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate information and decisions

  1. Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients.
  2. Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided.
  3. Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided.
Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review contribution to decision-making process

  1. Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.
  2. Report findings to relevant personnel.
Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report findings to relevant personnel.

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

Confirm decision-making process with manager

1.1

Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions.

1.2

Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process.

1.3

Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved.

1.4

Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility.

1.5

Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available.

2

Identify information needs, sources and collection methods

2.1

Identify the information required for a reliable decision.

2.2

Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context.

2.3

Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical.

2.4

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

3

Engage interested parties to inform decision making

3.1

Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute.

3.2

Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process.

3.3

Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions.

3.4

Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views.

3.5

Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood.

3.6

Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options.

3.7

Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood.

3.8

Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making.

4

Gather and analyse information needed for decision making

4.1

Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements.

4.2

Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions.

4.3

Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends.

4.4

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

4.5

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

4.6

Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making.

5

Make decisions and/or provide recommendations

5.1

Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each.

5.2

Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures.

5.3

Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations.

5.4

Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility.

5.5

Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken.

6

Communicate information and decisions

6.1

Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients.

6.2

Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided.

6.3

Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided.

7

Review contribution to decision-making process

7.1

Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.

7.2

Report findings to relevant personnel.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Confirm decision-making process with manager

1.1

Identify site/project/program environmental issues or problems that require decisions.

1.2

Examine workplace environmental policies/procedures to identify the relevant decision maker and decision-making process.

1.3

Scope the issue or problem, context, possible causes, the needs/concerns of interested parties and the risks involved.

1.4

Seek timely advice about issues/problems/decisions that have impacts beyond own scope of responsibility.

1.5

Confirm own role in the decision-making process and the timeline, constraints and resources available.

2

Identify information needs, sources and collection methods

2.1

Identify the information required for a reliable decision.

2.2

Confirm that available sources of information are reliable and sufficiently comprehensive for the required context.

2.3

Select information collection methods that are efficient, cost-effective and ethical.

2.4

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

3

Engage interested parties to inform decision making

3.1

Identify interested parties, their respective interests, needs and expectations, and assess their ability to contribute.

3.2

Identify appropriate engagement strategies/activities to encourage effective participation in the decision-making process.

3.3

Explain the engagement objectives and constraints and the level of influence that participants have on decisions.

3.4

Use active listening to seek input and a balanced exchange of views.

3.5

Provide accurate and balanced information using a language, style and format that is readily understood.

3.6

Acknowledge differences of opinion to encourage rigorous examination of all options.

3.7

Seek feedback to ensure that the views expressed by all participants have been understood.

3.8

Keep interested parties informed about engagement outcomes and progress of decision making.

4

Gather and analyse information needed for decision making

4.1

Gather sufficient information using methods that comply with workplace policies/procedures and legislative requirements.

4.2

Ensure objectives for analysis are clear and appropriate for the required decisions.

4.3

Analyse available information to identify significant issues, principles, legal requirements, patterns and/or trends.

4.4

Clearly distinguish between fact and opinion.

4.5

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

4.6

Record outcomes of analysis in sufficient detail to enable transparent decision making.

5

Make decisions and/or provide recommendations

5.1

Consider feasible options for addressing the issue/problem and the associated risks, costs and benefits of each.

5.2

Check that the preferred option complies with legislative requirements and workplace policies/procedures.

5.3

Obtain advice from relevant personnel if unsure about decisions or draft recommendations.

5.4

Make valid, timely decisions when issue/problem is within own scope of responsibility.

5.5

Provide recommendations to relevant personnel in time to inform decision making and enable effective action to be taken.

6

Communicate information and decisions

6.1

Provide timely, authorised information in accordance with workplace policies/procedures and in a form/manner that suits the needs of recipients.

6.2

Check and confirm recipients’ understanding of the information provided.

6.3

Use feedback from recipients to improve the way information is provided.

7

Review contribution to decision-making process

7.1

Review information collection strategies, engagement activities and contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.

7.2

Report findings to relevant personnel.

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

making decisions and/or providing recommendations about environmental issues (within scope of job role) on at least two (2) different occasions

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, standards, environmental management plans, workplace procedures relating to community engagement, communication protocols and decision making

identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid decisions and/or sound recommendations

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

listening actively, asking questions and clarifying issues to encourage participation, collect feedback and resolve differences of opinion

adapting communication style, language and/or media to suit audience

consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the decision-making process

analysing information rigorously to provide logical, evidence-based recommendations and/or decisions

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

providing reliable and timely reports/presentations/briefings to clients and confirming their understanding

reviewing information collection strategies, engagement activities and own contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

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

site/project/program characteristics, nature of activities conducted, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts

environmental legislative/regulatory requirements, approvals, permits, licences and responsibilities relevant to site/project/program

risk/impact assessments, workplace environmental management plans, procedures, control measures and management actions for site/project/program

workplace procedures for engaging interested parties, managing stakeholder relations, responding to complaints and requests for information, and record management and reporting

good practice models for community engagement and environmental decision making

techniques covering interpersonal communication, negotiating, lobbying, influencing, problem-solving and conflict resolution

relevant hazards, health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures.

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

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

site/project/program information, such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, community engagement, management of stakeholder relations and communication protocols, site processes, work schedules, emergency preparedness and response procedures, job hazard analyses, safe work procedures and work method statements

workplace environmental management plans and monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks for specific sites, projects and/or programs (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

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

Environmental issues and problems include one or more of:

modifying/developing/negotiating land use and other site agreements

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 incidents or adverse audit findings

informing interested parties about changes to site/project operations

involving interested parties in site/project closure planning

developing a site rehabilitation program.

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 policies and procedures

site/project initial advice statements, risk/impact assessments and environmental management plans

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).

Sources of information include one or more of:

government departments and agencies (e.g. environment, climate change, agriculture, mining and land use/planning)

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.

Information collection methods include one or more of:

accessing external publications, workplace files and reports

conducting internet searches

conducting interviews with workplace personnel, government representatives and interested parties

consulting with external experts

holding discussion groups, learning circles, workshops, reference groups and community consultative committees

conducting community/stakeholder surveys.

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, tribal elders and traditional owners.

Strategies and activities to encourage effective participation in decision making include one or more of:

one-on-one informal or impromptu discussions

formal interviews

regular briefings

public meetings, focus groups and workshops

a site/project visitor centre, open days and site visits

hotline or 24 hour contact numbers to record issues or complaints

websites

direct mail or newsletters

links with community liaison or advisory groups

translation of key information into local languages.

WHS 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.