Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:
Assignment instructions may include:
instructions from client/management
work tasks, objectives and schedules
resource and equipment requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
organisational policies and procedures applicable to the conduct of security operations.
Relevant information may include:
security operational plans
communication and reporting channels
operations manuals, manufacturer's specifications
applicable legislation and codes of practice
client identification and information details
departure, route and arrival details
schedules.
Clients may include:
royalty
heads of state
political leaders
executive personnel
entertainers.
Organisational requirements may include:
legal and organisational policy and procedures including personnel practices and guidelines
organisational goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
legislation relevant to the operation, incident and/or response
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
business and performance plans
policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
client service standards
defined resource parameters
Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and programs
emergency and evacuation procedures
duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
access and equity policy, principles and practice
records and information systems and processes
communication channels and reporting procedures.
Security equipment may include:
communication equipment (two-way radio, pager, telephone, mobile telephone)
security equipment (electronic screening equipment, video cameras and monitors, alarms and signals)
Communication channels and processes may include:
organisational networks
formal communication pathways
direct line supervision paths
lateral supervision paths
communication protocols
verbal communication procedures (pro-words, phonetic alphabet, call signs, coded messages, use of abbreviations).
Appropriate person(s) may include:
clients
management
colleagues
support agencies/emergency services.
Contingency measures may include:
separation/isolation
defusing strategies
counselling
specialists/experts
intervention
mediation
special watch
cultural support.
Security procedures may include:
escort procedures
security checks of relevant persons
search of premises
establishment of communication strategies
establishment and guarding of 'no go zones/areas'
keying off lifts
negotiation and communication with VIPs own security staff
issuance of ID cards for relevant persons
communication of 'need to know' information to relevant persons
installation and operation of surveillance and communication equipment
appropriate positioning of relevant persons
setting up a central 'command post'.
Potential threats may include:
conflict between security staff and members of public
riots, demonstrations
forced entry of persons and/or vehicles
greater concentration of crowds
hysteria of fans
people blocking access to premises
failure to comply with direction/request from authorised person
lost pass/ID, refusal to show pass/ID
noise build-up
persons with criminal intent
physical objects, thrown objects
security breaches
theft, fire
vehicles incorrectly parked
violence and physical threat
weapons.
Responses may include:
defusing the situation
tactical withdrawal
request for assistance
use of negotiation techniques
restraint of person
use of empty hand techniques.
Applicable legislation, codes and national standards must relate to:
relevant Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation which affect organisational operation:
Occupational Health and Safety
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
anti-discrimination and diversity.

Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation which affect:
powers of arrest
removal of persons
trespass laws
rules for searching and the seizure of goods
control of intoxicated persons as defined by liquor laws
crowd control

licensing arrangements
use of force guidelines
operational (e.g. Firearms Act, Weapons Prohibition Act, Crimes Act)
Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements.
Applicable legislation, codes and national standards may relate to:
relevant industry Codes of Practice
award and enterprise agreements
trade practices.
Assistance may involve:
providing back-up support
explaining/clarifying
problem solving
providing encouragement
providing feedback to another team member
undertaking extra tasks as necessary.
Assessment may include:
review to specifications and other documentation within organisational and industry policy guidelines
competency assessment for recording purposes.
Documentation may include:
request for assistance forms
logs, journal and/or activity reports
summaries
running sheets
situation reports
task allocation sheets
records of conversation
written/computer-based information
radio/telephone records.
Opportunities for improvement may include:
on-job instruction
provision of learning opportunities
demonstration
structured feedback
self paced learning packages
coaching, mentoring and/or supervision
seminars, conferences
career planning and development
performance appraisals
workplace skills assessment
quality assurance assessments and recommendations.
The Range of Variables provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:
Assignment instructions may include:
instructions from client/management
work tasks, objectives and schedules
resource and equipment requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
organisational policies and procedures applicable to the conduct of security operations.
Relevant information may include:
security operational plans
communication and reporting channels
operations manuals, manufacturer's specifications
applicable legislation and codes of practice
client identification and information details
departure, route and arrival details
schedules.
Clients may include:
royalty
heads of state
political leaders
executive personnel
entertainers.
Organisational requirements may include:
legal and organisational policy and procedures including personnel practices and guidelines
organisational goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
legislation relevant to the operation, incident and/or response
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
business and performance plans
policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
client service standards
defined resource parameters
Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and programs
emergency and evacuation procedures
duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
access and equity policy, principles and practice
records and information systems and processes
communication channels and reporting procedures.
Security equipment may include:
communication equipment (two-way radio, pager, telephone, mobile telephone)
security equipment (electronic screening equipment, video cameras and monitors, alarms and signals)
Communication channels and processes may include:
organisational networks
formal communication pathways
direct line supervision paths
lateral supervision paths
communication protocols
verbal communication procedures (pro-words, phonetic alphabet, call signs, coded messages, use of abbreviations).
Appropriate person(s) may include:
clients
management
colleagues
support agencies/emergency services.
Contingency measures may include:
separation/isolation
defusing strategies
counselling
specialists/experts
intervention
mediation
special watch
cultural support.
Security procedures may include:
escort procedures
security checks of relevant persons
search of premises
establishment of communication strategies
establishment and guarding of 'no go zones/areas'
keying off lifts
negotiation and communication with VIPs own security staff
issuance of ID cards for relevant persons
communication of 'need to know' information to relevant persons
installation and operation of surveillance and communication equipment
appropriate positioning of relevant persons
setting up a central 'command post'.
Potential threats may include:
conflict between security staff and members of public
riots, demonstrations
forced entry of persons and/or vehicles
greater concentration of crowds
hysteria of fans
people blocking access to premises
failure to comply with direction/request from authorised person
lost pass/ID, refusal to show pass/ID
noise build-up
persons with criminal intent
physical objects, thrown objects
security breaches
theft, fire
vehicles incorrectly parked
violence and physical threat
weapons.
Responses may include:
defusing the situation
tactical withdrawal
request for assistance
use of negotiation techniques
restraint of person
use of empty hand techniques.
Applicable legislation, codes and national standards must relate to:
relevant Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation which affect organisational operation:
Occupational Health and Safety
environmental issues
equal employment opportunity
industrial relations
anti-discrimination and diversity.

Commonwealth/State/Territory legislation which affect:
powers of arrest
removal of persons
trespass laws
rules for searching and the seizure of goods
control of intoxicated persons as defined by liquor laws
crowd control

licensing arrangements
use of force guidelines
operational (e.g. Firearms Act, Weapons Prohibition Act, Crimes Act)
Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements.
Applicable legislation, codes and national standards may relate to:
relevant industry Codes of Practice
award and enterprise agreements
trade practices.
Assistance may involve:
providing back-up support
explaining/clarifying
problem solving
providing encouragement
providing feedback to another team member
undertaking extra tasks as necessary.
Assessment may include:
review to specifications and other documentation within organisational and industry policy guidelines
competency assessment for recording purposes.
Documentation may include:
request for assistance forms
logs, journal and/or activity reports
summaries
running sheets
situation reports
task allocation sheets
records of conversation
written/computer-based information
radio/telephone records.
Opportunities for improvement may include:
on-job instruction
provision of learning opportunities
demonstration
structured feedback
self paced learning packages
coaching, mentoring and/or supervision
seminars, conferences
career planning and development
performance appraisals
workplace skills assessment
quality assurance assessments and recommendations.

The Evidence Guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to provide for the safety of VIPs. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range of Variables statements that are applicable in the learning environment.
What critical aspects are required for evidence of competency?
Accurately assess assignment needs and instructions and determine approaches and resources to be applied.
Systematically monitor security activities and vary operational plans as required to meet changing circumstances.
Accurately identify and assess all factors which might impact on the safety and security of VIPs and formulate and implement appropriate responses or contingency measures.
Review and evaluate security operations through a process of continual assessment, feedback and exchange of information with relevant personnel.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
relevant legislative and organisational policies and procedures
organisational and client confidentiality requirements
security risk assessment methods
types and functions of communication and security equipment
security alarms and appropriate responses
basic problem solving strategies
principles of effective communication
reporting procedures and documentation requirements and processes.
What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, some specific skills are required. These include the ability to:
communicate in a clear and concise manner and relate to persons from different cultural and social backgrounds
escort persons
assess security requirements
apply safe and efficient work practices
organise work tasks in a methodical manner
prioritise tasks and complete work within designated timeframes
present a professional image to members of the public and colleagues
comply with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements
identify potential security threats and the likely source of risks
operate and maintain a range of communication and security equipment
identify and diagnose operational faults or deficiencies in security equipment
analyse and implement responses to information
prepare and present written/computer-based information
estimate and calculate resource and equipment requirements.
What resources may be required for assessment?
Access to a suitable venue and equipment.
Access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures.
Assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements.
Assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.
Access to a registered provider of assessment services.
What is required to achieve consistency of performance?
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor. The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of underpinning knowledge understanding of processes and principles can be gained through thorough questioning and by observation of previous work.
Assessment against this unit may involve the following:
Continuous assessment in a setting that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range of variables statement that make up the unit.
Continuous assessment in the workplace, taking into account the range of variables affecting performance.
Self-assessment on the same terms as those described above.
Simulated assessment or critical incident assessment, provided that the critical incident involves assessment against performance criteria and an evaluation of underpinning knowledge and skill required to achieve the required performance outcomes.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.
Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.
1 - perform the process
2 - perform and administer the process
3 - perform, administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied? (1)
Operational plans and contingency measures may be discussed and verified with VIPs, security personnel and other relevant persons.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? (1)
Assignment instructions, client requirements and other relevant information may be reviewed and used in the formulation of a tailored security plan.
How are activities planned and organised? (1)
A search of premises, staff checks and other security procedures may be planned and carried out prior to the scheduled arrival of the VIP.
How can team work be applied? (1)
The accurate assessment and assignment of tasks and locations compatible with the strengths/interests of personnel may be used for effective and efficient security operations.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? (1)
Mathematical techniques may be used to calculate personnel and equipment requirements for specific security assignments.
How can problem solving skills be applied? (1)
The prompt correction or replacement of faulty or malfunctioning equipment will facilitate effective security operations.
How can the use of technology be applied? (1)
Technology may be used to set up, test and use communication and security equipment. It may also be used to document and maintain records.
The Evidence Guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to provide for the safety of VIPs. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range of Variables statements that are applicable in the learning environment.
What critical aspects are required for evidence of competency?
Accurately assess assignment needs and instructions and determine approaches and resources to be applied.
Systematically monitor security activities and vary operational plans as required to meet changing circumstances.
Accurately identify and assess all factors which might impact on the safety and security of VIPs and formulate and implement appropriate responses or contingency measures.
Review and evaluate security operations through a process of continual assessment, feedback and exchange of information with relevant personnel.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
relevant legislative and organisational policies and procedures
organisational and client confidentiality requirements
security risk assessment methods
types and functions of communication and security equipment
security alarms and appropriate responses
basic problem solving strategies
principles of effective communication
reporting procedures and documentation requirements and processes.
What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, some specific skills are required. These include the ability to:
communicate in a clear and concise manner and relate to persons from different cultural and social backgrounds
escort persons
assess security requirements
apply safe and efficient work practices
organise work tasks in a methodical manner
prioritise tasks and complete work within designated timeframes
present a professional image to members of the public and colleagues
comply with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements
identify potential security threats and the likely source of risks
operate and maintain a range of communication and security equipment
identify and diagnose operational faults or deficiencies in security equipment
analyse and implement responses to information
prepare and present written/computer-based information
estimate and calculate resource and equipment requirements.
What resources may be required for assessment?
Access to a suitable venue and equipment.
Access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures.
Assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements.
Assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.
Access to a registered provider of assessment services.
What is required to achieve consistency of performance?
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor. The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of underpinning knowledge understanding of processes and principles can be gained through thorough questioning and by observation of previous work.
Assessment against this unit may involve the following:
Continuous assessment in a setting that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range of variables statement that make up the unit.
Continuous assessment in the workplace, taking into account the range of variables affecting performance.
Self-assessment on the same terms as those described above.
Simulated assessment or critical incident assessment, provided that the critical incident involves assessment against performance criteria and an evaluation of underpinning knowledge and skill required to achieve the required performance outcomes.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.
Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.
1 - perform the process
2 - perform and administer the process
3 - perform, administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied? (1)
Operational plans and contingency measures may be discussed and verified with VIPs, security personnel and other relevant persons.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? (1)
Assignment instructions, client requirements and other relevant information may be reviewed and used in the formulation of a tailored security plan.
How are activities planned and organised? (1)
A search of premises, staff checks and other security procedures may be planned and carried out prior to the scheduled arrival of the VIP.
How can team work be applied? (1)
The accurate assessment and assignment of tasks and locations compatible with the strengths/interests of personnel may be used for effective and efficient security operations.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? (1)
Mathematical techniques may be used to calculate personnel and equipment requirements for specific security assignments.
How can problem solving skills be applied? (1)
The prompt correction or replacement of faulty or malfunctioning equipment will facilitate effective security operations.
How can the use of technology be applied? (1)
Technology may be used to set up, test and use communication and security equipment. It may also be used to document and maintain records.