Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:52 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:52 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide public affairs writing and editorial services
Provide public affairs writing and editorial services
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPPA501A
PSPPA501A
State Code
C8223
C8223
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/01/2006
Field of Education
100705 - Written Communication
Original Release Date
25/01/2006
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the provision of writing and editorial services by public affairs personnel. It includes researching and writing publications, preparing speeches, reporting on complex/controversial issues, and providing editorial services.In practice, providing public affairs writing and editorial services may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, developing client service, undertaking research, providing leadership, refining complex workplace documents, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research and write publications
- 1.1 Production and deadline requirements, purpose and objectives of the publication are determined.
- 1.2 Sources of information for stories/publications are identified in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 1.3 Information is gathered and assessed for newsworthiness and audience appeal and an approach/story angle is determined and approved.
- 1.4 Content is drafted, refined and redrafted until it meets creative, technical and production requirements.
- 1.5 Content is submitted for approval and finalised in accordance with organisational requirements.
2. Prepare speeches
- 2.1 Information is gathered and assessed for relevance to the topic and the audience.
- 2.2 Ideas and concepts are developed logically and articulated clearly.
- 2.3 Speech notes are prepared using language that captures the voice of the intended speaker, and allows the message to be delivered clearly and authoritatively.
- 2.4 Potential questions are identified and possible answers prepared in accordance with the content and government policy directions.
- 2.5 Speech notes are submitted for review/approval, re-drafted as required, and finalised in accordance with required timeframes.
3. Report on complex/ controversial issues
- 3.1 Output format, purpose, audience and deadline/s are determined in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 3.2 Source material is analysed for political, social or economic issues relevant to the organisation.
- 3.3 Cultural context of the information is identified and taken account of in interpretation.
- 3.4 Stereotypes, bias, prejudice and motive are recognised.
- 3.5 Key issues are identified, fact is separated from opinion and underlying values and beliefs are explored.
- 3.6 Information is synthesised and documents are prepared and submitted in accordance with organisational requirements, legislation, policy and procedures.
4. Provide editorial services
- 4.1 Others are assisted with the preparation of written materials to maintain the writing style and standards for organisational publications.
- 4.2 The purpose, intent and specialist vocabulary of materials prepared by others are reviewed with the writer/s and are edited to conform with organisational style and the target audience .
- 4.3 Materials are proofed, returned and/or submitted for approval and publication in accordance with organisational policy, procedures and required timelines.
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.
Production requirements may include:
production schedule and deadlines
budget
contractual requirements
confidentiality
intellectual property
copyright
type of publication
style, format, language, graphics
Purpose of publications may include:
influencing opinion
providing information
reporting on achievement
recommending options and corresponding actions
meeting regulatory requirements
meeting public sector reporting requirements
strategic planning
Sources of information may include:
publications
previous stories
organisational staff
networks
Internet
Organisational requirements for publications may include:
use of plain English
spelling grammar, punctuation, spacing
style formats
acknowledgements
particular terminology to be used/not used:
acronyms
technical terms
bureaucratic language
cliches
abbreviations
requirements for minimising jargon in written materials
requirements for written material to take account of cultural, ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities, etiquette
guidelines for illustrative items
standards for references, acknowledgements, citations, footnotes, endnotes
using particular communication channels
meeting State/Territory or Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation and security of written information in the public sector, including freedom of information, copyright, privacy, confidentiality, equal employment opportunity, diversity, occupational health and safety
risk assessment
complying with security standards and requirements for government information
meeting public sector standards
complying with fraud control standards
complying with codes of practice and codes of ethics
requirements for:
private or confidential materials
embargoed material
politically sensitive materials
Output format may be:
report
summary
briefing notes
memo
correspondence
Submission of documents may include:
approvals
sign-off procedures
Organisational style and standards may be found in:
government style guide
organisational style guide
documented requirements for layouts, formats, styles, spelling etc for a range of organisational publications (refer to organisational requirements for publications earlier in Range Statement)
Publications may include:
documents in the public domain such as:
annual reports
guides
advertising materials
Internet sites
newspaper/magazine articles
newsletters
media releases
ministerial statements
intranet materials
in-house publications
Specialist vocabulary may include:
scientific/technical vocabulary
public sector or organisation specific vocabulary
acronyms
jargon
Production requirements may include:
production schedule and deadlines
budget
contractual requirements
confidentiality
intellectual property
copyright
type of publication
style, format, language, graphics
Purpose of publications may include:
influencing opinion
providing information
reporting on achievement
recommending options and corresponding actions
meeting regulatory requirements
meeting public sector reporting requirements
strategic planning
Sources of information may include:
publications
previous stories
organisational staff
networks
Internet
Organisational requirements for publications may include:
use of plain English
spelling grammar, punctuation, spacing
style formats
acknowledgements
particular terminology to be used/not used:
acronyms
technical terms
bureaucratic language
cliches
abbreviations
requirements for minimising jargon in written materials
requirements for written material to take account of cultural, ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities, etiquette
guidelines for illustrative items
standards for references, acknowledgements, citations, footnotes, endnotes
using particular communication channels
meeting State/Territory or Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation and security of written information in the public sector, including freedom of information, copyright, privacy, confidentiality, equal employment opportunity, diversity, occupational health and safety
risk assessment
complying with security standards and requirements for government information
meeting public sector standards
complying with fraud control standards
complying with codes of practice and codes of ethics
requirements for:
private or confidential materials
embargoed material
politically sensitive materials
Output format may be:
report
summary
briefing notes
memo
correspondence
Submission of documents may include:
approvals
sign-off procedures
Organisational style and standards may be found in:
government style guide
organisational style guide
documented requirements for layouts, formats, styles, spelling etc for a range of organisational publications (refer to organisational requirements for publications earlier in Range Statement)
Publications may include:
documents in the public domain such as:
annual reports
guides
advertising materials
Internet sites
newspaper/magazine articles
newsletters
media releases
ministerial statements
intranet materials
in-house publications
Specialist vocabulary may include:
scientific/technical vocabulary
public sector or organisation specific vocabulary
acronyms
jargon
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:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV505A Promote diversity
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documents
PSPGOV515A Develop and use political nous
PSPLEGN501B Promote 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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
provision of public affairs writing and editorial services in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, organisational procedures and protocols relating to the preparation of information for the organisation/public sector
government style guide
examples of complex/controversial issues
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing public affairs writing and editorial services
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 providing public affairs writing and editorial services, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of public affairs writing and editorial services 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
demonstration
portfolios
projects
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
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:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV505A Promote diversity
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documents
PSPGOV515A Develop and use political nous
PSPLEGN501B Promote 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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
provision of public affairs writing and editorial services in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, organisational procedures and protocols relating to the preparation of information for the organisation/public sector
government style guide
examples of complex/controversial issues
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing public affairs writing and editorial services
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 providing public affairs writing and editorial services, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of public affairs writing and editorial services 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
demonstration
portfolios
projects
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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWV22 | PSPGEN081 | Provide public affairs writing and editorial services | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J301 | PSP50112 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |
| C769 | PSP50104 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |