Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:03 AM AWST

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Provide policy advice

Provide policy advice

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPPOL602A
State Code
C8245
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
05/11/2014
Field of Education
090103 - Policy Studies
Original Release Date
05/11/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the provision of policy advice to policy developers, internal policy staff, other staff, and for external queries from the government, Ministers, other public sector organisations, the public, etc. It includes interpreting and advising on public policy, and providing input to policy evaluation and review.In practice, the provision of policy advice may overlap with other generalist and specialist work activities such as managing change, managing diversity, managing workplace safety, managing the delivery of client services, managing risk, directing the management of contracts.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret and advise on public policy
  • 1.1 Policy is analysed and interpretations on its intent and implications are provided in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 1.2 Interpretive advice is provided on the relevant acts, regulations, procedures, codes of practice, standards and guidelines related to policy, in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 1.3 Written interpretations are provided, supported by defensible evidence and reflect consideration of their intended use and consequences in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • 1.4 Policy advice is communicated in a manner that addresses the requirements of users.
  • 1.5 Policy questions referred by policy staff are resolved or consultative mechanisms are used to gain additional clarification or opinions.
2. Provide input to policy evaluation and review
  • 2.1 Policy feedback data is captured and analysed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and any implementation issues in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 2.2 Both planned and unintentional outcomes of policy implementation are analysed and feedback is provided against the evaluation criteria in the policy implementation plan.
  • 2.3 A comparison of the intended versus actual outcomes of policy implementation is prepared and provided in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 2.4 The internal and external environments are monitored for policy implications, and strategies are prepared to respond to potential or impending policy changes in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 2.5 Recommendations for continuous improvement, termination or succession of policies are prepared in accordance with organisational requirements.
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.
Policy may include:
public policy
public sector policy
central agency policy
organisation policy relevant to any aspect of an organisation's business, such as policies relating to:
core business
client services
business structure
human resources
administration
financial management
work practices
training
information technology
technical/professional requirements
legal requirements
Policy advice may be provided to:
government
Ministers
other public sector organisations
community groups
the public
policy developers
internal policy staff
other staff
Consultative mechanisms may include:
discussion with other policy managers
seeking clarification from the policy developer
seeking legal opinion
workplace consultative committees
Policy changes may be caused by:
machinery of government changes
a shift to designing policy around a set of government priorities not organisational structures/individual agencies
a focus on whole of government policies
changes to legal risks
emphasis on policy research focused on the mid to long term, as well as that developed to meet immediate needs of government
national or international events such as:
change in government
changes in government policy
changes in strategic direction
changes in legislation
changes in the policies of other governments
changing social trends
economic/technological change
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:
PSPMNGT604B Manage change
PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity
PSPMNGT606B Manage quality client service
PSPMNGT608B Manage risk
PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety
PSPPROC602B Direct the management of contracts
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 policy advice in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
public sector policy and legislation
public sector standards, procedures and protocols
precedents for policy interpretation
policy evaluation guidelines
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 advising on policy, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of policy advice 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
AWU11 PSPPCY009 Provide policy advice Unit of competency