Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What might constitute the group?
A group developed with the assistance of a regional facilitator/coordinator or group formed by other means and seeking support of facilitator/coordinator/leader.

What environmental issues may be relevant?
Issues associated with the preservation of quality of soil, water and air, with protection of ecosystems or species, or the management of disturbance or degradation.

What could be the group's activities?
Previous and current range of activities of group, interests expressed by group members which may be independent or in co-operation with other groups, may relate to small area up to a sub-catchment plan, may address one or more issues and may include Indigenous culture and consultation with stakeholders.

What facilitation processes may be included?
Techniques used by facilitator or coordinator to assist group development and development of goals, action plans and projects. These processes may depend on the length of time group has been running, skills and knowledge of group members, and the availability of resources including volunteers.

What are the locality and region environmental contexts which may be relevant to this standard?
Wider issues identified by private or government authorities, research into environmental, natural resources or productive resources by government authorities, universities, research centres or private industry, regional plans and components of regional plans.

What does it mean to action strategy or action plan?
Action strategy is a statement of broad actions. Action plan comprises the broad actions within a time and regional context.

What are projects which might be relevant to this standard?
Discrete series of actions leading to defined outcome(s) which are eligible for funding under a relevant program, or for which private funding may be sourced.

What are the project proposals and submissions?
The proposal is a summary of the project, outcomes and costing in terms for submission to a Regional and State Assessment Panel and in accord with program guidelines, which is then submitted with supporting forms and documentation in accord with program guidelines.

What are the evaluation requirements for this standard?
Explain program and project submission requirements, identify outcomes to be evaluated, identify appropriate processes, and document processes and resource required.

What is the relevant information to be included?
Program guidelines and advice on guidelines, advice on proposal and submissions, and technical information for use in goals, action plans, projects and proposals.

What is the program scope?
Current scope and conditions of relevant government funding projects for which the group is eligible to apply.

Which programs may be included?
Commonwealth Government community programs under the Natural Heritage Trust, Rural Industry programs, business programs and State Government community programs related to the environment.

Which legislative requirements may be relevant to this standard?
Occupational health and safety, public safety, planning, conservation and environment management, local government, regional planning and land tenure.

Who is included in the reference to individual and cultural viewpoints and perspectives?
Indigenous peoples, migrants and women's and men's perspectives.

What forms of communication may be relevant?
Facilitation of group processes, information sharing/training sessions including informal sessions, action learning/research of an informal nature, more formal presentations, facilitation of communication between group members, one-to-one sharing, sourcing of information through personal contact, and handling of people with strong opinions/characters.

What levels of literacy are included?
Analysis of research papers, interpretation of regional plans and articulation of group discussions into written documents.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in facilitating development of group goals and projects requires evidence that facilitation processes have been appropriately applied in the development of a community group's goals and projects according to community and agency guidelines and best practice procedures. The skills and knowledge required to facilitate development of group goals and projects must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different projects, community groups, and cultural perspectives.
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 unit are listed below:

Range of group facilitation styles.
Previous group history.
Board understanding of regional and national environmental issues.
Regional community, groups and cultures.
Local and broader politics.
Strategic planning principles.
Program guidelines.
National, State and regional funding priorities.
Legislative requirements.
Community and sector perspectives.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Facilitate groups.
Present to groups.
Develop strategic plans.
Prepare proposals.
Resolve conflict.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
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. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By discussing group goals and projects at meetings or formally in writing with clients and stakeholders. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Facilitating the development of group goals and projects will require detailed information to be collected, analysed and organised by research and consultation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Facilitating activities are planned and organised by convening meetings and planning activities. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Facilitating development of group goals and projects will require development and management of work teams to achieve outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques relating to data gathering and interpretation can be applied. (2)

Solving problems
While facilitating the development of group goals and projects, organisational and cultural problems may arise requiring complex solutions. (3)

Using technology
Information presentation technology may be required. (1)