Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:41 AM AWST
23/07/2026 11:41 AM 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.
Govern councils
Govern councils
Unit of competency
National Code
LGAGCM701A
LGAGCM701A
State Code
D2848
D2848
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/08/2014
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
15/08/2014
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit covers the outcomes required to ensure high levels of governance in a complex environment and includes the management of processes and structures to ensure public accountability, ethical behaviour, high quality performance, transparency and statutory compliance. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Analyse legal and regulatory requirements affecting council
- 1.1 Legislative framework within which council operates is identified to ensure compliance.
- 1.2 Actions or proposed actions which would expose council to issues of non-compliance are identified and appropriate action is taken to avoid non-compliance.
- 1.3 Provisions of legislation that constrain the behaviour of individuals acting within and on behalf of council are examined and communicated to staff.
- 1.4 Governance reviews or audits are contributed to, and action is taken with regard to opportunities for policy or process improvement or any reported areas of non-compliance.
2. Research and apply best practice and ethical conduct
- 2.1 Best practice in local government policies is researched and used to inform council's governance principles and practices.
- 2.2 Strategies for undertaking regular reviews of council processes, including benchmarking against other councils are developed and implemented.
- 2.3 Effective and efficient policies and processes which achieve council outcomes are designed and implemented.
3. Manage governance processes
- 3.1 Roles and responsibilities of elected members and management are defined and communicated.
- 3.2 Council and councillors are provided with resources necessary to fulfil their governance duties and responsibilities effectively.
- 3.3 Support structures are developed and implemented to assist council to achieve its objectives and responsibilities.
- 3.4 Consultative processes are implemented and maintained to ensure information on community needs and expectations is gathered and considered.
- 3.5 Accountability to the community and within the council is maintained using effective reporting processes.
- 3.6 Effective and ongoing relationships with other levels of government, regional bodies and other councils are established and maintained.
4. Undertake appropriate reporting within council structures
- 4.1 Management reports are accurately completed and submitted in accordance with council's statutory requirements.
- 4.2 Relevant information to support the development of council's statutory business plan is supplied as required.
- 4.3 Relevant declaration of interests, including potential conflicts of interest, is made as required using standard organisational procedures.
- 4.4 Relevant data detailing performance against targets is supplied as required for inclusion in regular performance reports presented to council.
- 4.5 Contribution is made to effective information sharing and communication between council and the community.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Governance review bodies may include:
externally sourced panels of experts, community members and industry leaders
board of directors
properly constituted council committees
Best practice research includes reviewing:
governance policies and practices of other councils in areas, such as:
ethical, accountable and transparent management and operations
occupational health and safety
industrial relations
managing diversity
environmental protection
ecologically sustainable development
risk management
governance policies and programs developed and promoted by local government industry associations
relevant governance policies and practices developed and promoted in other public and private sector organisations locally and overseas
Governance principles and practices include policy and process associated with:
role relationships between elected members and council officers, including levels of delegation and separation of powers
roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of elected members, including management of conflict of interest
roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of council employees, including reporting and performance monitoring
level of and processes for community consultation and participation in the policy development and program delivery of council
policies and processes for setting strategic directions for council and its community
values, policies and practices put in place to ensure ethical, accountable and transparent operation of the council at all levels
Resources for council may include:
induction programs for new councillors
training and development
legislation and relevant support documentation
Information sharing and communication may include:
websites
newsletters and bulletins
notices in local press
annual reports
community consultation
Governance review bodies may include:
externally sourced panels of experts, community members and industry leaders
board of directors
properly constituted council committees
Best practice research includes reviewing:
governance policies and practices of other councils in areas, such as:
ethical, accountable and transparent management and operations
occupational health and safety
industrial relations
managing diversity
environmental protection
ecologically sustainable development
risk management
governance policies and programs developed and promoted by local government industry associations
relevant governance policies and practices developed and promoted in other public and private sector organisations locally and overseas
Governance principles and practices include policy and process associated with:
role relationships between elected members and council officers, including levels of delegation and separation of powers
roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of elected members, including management of conflict of interest
roles, responsibilities, rights and accountabilities of council employees, including reporting and performance monitoring
level of and processes for community consultation and participation in the policy development and program delivery of council
policies and processes for setting strategic directions for council and its community
values, policies and practices put in place to ensure ethical, accountable and transparent operation of the council at all levels
Resources for council may include:
induction programs for new councillors
training and development
legislation and relevant support documentation
Information sharing and communication may include:
websites
newsletters and bulletins
notices in local press
annual reports
community consultation
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. The candidate will demonstrate the capacity to provide leadership and good governance within councils and adherence to all legislative requirements.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in:
local government governance principles and their application
ethical business practice
researching and applying best practice to governance processes
defining and implementing effective management strategies to support good governance, including reporting and accountability structures
Context of assessment
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken with the context of the Local Government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the range of variables applicable to the workplace environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
preparation of a major workplace project report/portfolio (that may incorporate assessment of related units) as a key form of assessment that enables candidates to integrate the learning and assessment project into their regular work responsibilities, which enables integrated and holistic assessment of the complex skills and knowledge addressed in this unit
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioner
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
relevant council documents, such as strategic and operational plans and good governance guides
relevant local government legislation and regulations
exemplars of good governance practices and policies
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. The candidate will demonstrate the capacity to provide leadership and good governance within councils and adherence to all legislative requirements.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in:
local government governance principles and their application
ethical business practice
researching and applying best practice to governance processes
defining and implementing effective management strategies to support good governance, including reporting and accountability structures
Context of assessment
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken with the context of the Local Government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the range of variables applicable to the workplace environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
preparation of a major workplace project report/portfolio (that may incorporate assessment of related units) as a key form of assessment that enables candidates to integrate the learning and assessment project into their regular work responsibilities, which enables integrated and holistic assessment of the complex skills and knowledge addressed in this unit
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioner
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
relevant council documents, such as strategic and operational plans and good governance guides
relevant local government legislation and regulations
exemplars of good governance practices and policies
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J264 | LGA50712 | Diploma of Local Government | Qualification |
| D352 | LGA70108 | Graduate Certificate In Local Government Management | Qualification |