Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:25 PM AWST

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Develop internal and external networks

Develop internal and external networks

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV418A
State Code
C8028
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the development and maintenance of effective workplace relationships and networks. It includes developing and maintaining networks, establishing and maintaining working relationships, and representing and promoting the organisation.In practice, developing internal and external networks may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc. This unit is one of 3 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with networks. Related units are:PSPGOV303B Build and maintain internal networksPSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networksNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Build and maintain networks
  • 1.1 Networking opportunities are identified and pursued to maximise a range of personal industry contacts.
  • 1.2 Information regarding new network opportunities is communicated to inform colleagues and managers of the potential benefits to the organisation of involvement.
  • 1.3 The level of usefulness of existing networks is assessed against current involvement, and adjustments are made to improve or downgrade relationships.
  • 1.4 Participation is maintained in professional networks and associations to obtain and maintain personal knowledge and skills.
2. Establish and maintain working relationships
  • 2.1 Network strategies are used to establish and maintain working relationships that promote benefits consistent with organisational objectives.
  • 2.2 Trust and confidence of key stakeholders is gained and maintained through high standards of ethical practice.
  • 2.3 Negotiation and collaborative problem solving are used to achieve positive outcomes when difficult situations arise.
  • 2.4 Formal and informal communication channels are established and maintained to exchange information and ideas in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
  • 2.5 Networking is built in to professional and organisational planning regimes to maximise its usefulness to the organisation.
3. Represent and promote the organisation
  • 3.1 The organisation's interests and requirements are represented and promoted using a range of strategies tailored to diverse participants in the networks.
  • 3.2 Information on organisational issues, policies and practices authorised for public presentation is provided orally and in writing in accordance with network requirements.
  • 3.3 Feedback is obtained from stakeholders to identify and develop ways to improve promotional activities within available resources.
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.
Networks may include:
formal or informal networks
circulation lists
e-networks
bulletin boards
virtual communities
mailing lists
Professional networks and associations may include:
work team
suppliers
other organisations
committees
internal/external customers
government agencies
professional/occupational associations
project specific ad hoc consultative/reference groups
advisory committees
lobby groups
local inter-agency groups
specific interest or support groups
Network strategies may include:
conference participation
seminar attendance
association memberships
regular contact maintenance
individual marketing
distribution of materials
Key stakeholders may include:
officers from other government organisations
Ministerial advisers
community members
council members
industry representatives
professional associations
international public sector staff
international associations
Negotiation may include:
assertiveness
collaboration
solution designing
confidence building
conflict reduction
stress management
mediation
empathising
Requirements may be found in:
quality assurance and/or procedures manuals
organisational intranet
goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
organisational policy/guidelines and requirements
access and equity principles and practice
public sector ethical standards
occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
defined resource parameters
marketing plans
Strategies to promote the organisation may include:
attendance/speaking at meetings, seminars, conferences
explanation of mission, goals and objectives in ways suited to the diversity of the audience
modelling ethical and professional behaviour
Feedback may include:
accuracy and sufficiency of information
benefits to organisation
impact of message
use of media
appropriateness of audience
participation of other agencies
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
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV408A Value diversity
PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict
PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
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 Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
internal and external networks developed 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 the public sector
organisational and inter-agency structures and protocols
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of networking opportunities likely to be encountered
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 developing internal and external networks, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
internal and external networks developed 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
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWV63 PSPGEN039 Develop internal and external networks Unit of competency