Elements and Performance Criteria

Requirements for witnesses to leave court may include

proclamation at the commencement of a trial after jury is empanelled

at the direction of the presiding official


Providing witness details may include

prior to them being called to give evidence

at an adjournment or break in proceedings

as they enter court to give evidence


Swearing in of witnesses may include

checking identification and swearing in interpreter first

using Oath, Affirmation, Jewish Oath, Mohammedan Oath, Interpreter's Oath, Interpreter's Affirmation


Screening may include

one-way mirror screen


Administrative duties may include

determining eligibility of prosecution witnesses for payment of witness fees

organising sign-off and payment of witness fees

recording information, for example in witness book


Witness room may include

conference room where vulnerable witnesses give evidence via closed circuit television


Other personnel in witness room may include

court companion

support person

interpreter


Set role may include

sheriff's officer or court officer maintaining integrity of court proceedings and ensuring that witnesses follow any direction of the presiding official

security - ensuring no unauthorised person enters the room and the witness does not leave the room without the authorisation of the presiding official

remaining with witnesses at all times especially in the event of interrupted transmissions or equipment failure

not taking on a 'support person' role, for example not comforting a distraught witness or requesting adjournment

not interrupting, intervening, coaching or intimidating witnesses

not offering explanations, interpretation or guidance to witnesses

not speaking to witnesses about the case or their evidence

Units to be assessed together
PSPCRT401B Carry out court orderly functions
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers

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)
management of witnesses 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 management of witnesses
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when managing witnesses

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 managing witnesses, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
management of witnesses 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:
demonstration
observation
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