Elements and Performance Criteria

Communication plan
A communication plan identifies:
the type and purpose of information to be provided through each stage of the audit process
audiences for types of information
the form or method of communication (eg written report, verbal presentation)
when/how often the communication will occur
Reporting procedures and responsibilities. This includes reporting timelines, formats and procedure for reporting serious/critical food safety hazards


Communication methods and protocols
Methods of communication may include:
written presentations and reports
two-way verbal interaction
constructive feedback
active listening
questioning to elicit, confirm and clarity information
interview techniques
facilitation of meetings and group processes
interpreting non-verbal skills and body language
Communication protocols may include:
confidentiality
objectivity
information access and dissemination
levels of communication/lines or reporting
timeliness of providing information/responding to information requests


Food business requirements
Business requirements may require that communication is consistent with:
confidentiality requirements
legal requirements and related policies and procedures relating to communication requirements
professional codes of conduct/personal attributes of auditors
information that is accurate, thorough and clearly presented
resource parameters
organisational structure and delegated levels of authority
existing communication mechanisms and systems used in the auditee's workplace


Individual differences
Individual differences may include but are not limited to:
age
race
gender
culture
religion
impairment/disability
physical features
educational background
technical skill level
communication styles and skill levels
English language and literacy
any other individual characteristics that may need to be taken into account in designing communication as covered by relevant legislation

Issue resolution strategies
Issue resolution strategies may include:
establishing open communication practices to encourage the trust and engagement of all parties
designing processes that ensure all parties have opportunities to fully express their position
involving personnel with additional expertise - this may include other expertise from the auditing body and/or the regulator
validating evidence used to support audit findings

Overview of Assessment
Assessment may occur in a real or simulated audit context where the simulated context provides access to a conflict-based context where audit findings are disputed by the auditee. A simulated environment must provide access to a typical range of personnel with typical communication skill levels found in food businesses and to the roles of personnel involved in food safety audit processes.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

All elements, performance criteria, and required skills and knowledge are critical and must be assessed. Critical aspects of assessment must include the following:

Design a communication plan to meet the needs of stakeholders in an audit process, specifically where a number of participants have limited English-language and literacy skills
Facilitate and negotiate to seek understanding of audit outcomes in a conflict-based situation where the outcomes are contested by the auditee. This component of assessment must provide opportunities to select and apply appropriate communication methods.

Communicating ideas and information
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Collecting analysing and organising information
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Planning and organising activities
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Working with others and in teams
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Using mathematical ideas and techniques
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Solving problems
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Using technology
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