Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:54 AM AWST

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Conduct evaluations

Conduct evaluations

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV509A
State Code
C8039
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
29/07/2014
Field of Education
080301 - Business Management
Original Release Date
29/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers evaluation relevant to the full range of processes and outcomes in the public sector such as policy, procedures, processes, structures, service delivery, projects etc. It includes identifying the purpose of the evaluation, identifying the evaluation process and tools, carrying out the evaluation, analysing results, reporting outcomes and recommending action.In practice, conducting evaluations may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector workplace activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, providing client service, developing policy etc. This is one of two competencies in the Working in Government and Management. Competency Fields that deal with evaluation in the public sector. The related unit is:PSPMNGT611A Manage evaluationsNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify the purpose of the evaluation
  • 1.1 The purpose, scope and terms of reference of the evaluation are confirmed with key stakeholders and approvals are gained in accordance with organisational requirement.
  • 1.2 The range of documentary evidence, individuals and organisations who can provide specialist input are identified and commitment is gained for their contribution to the evaluation.
  • 1.3 Information critical to the evaluation is determined to inform the selection of the evaluation methodology and tools.
  • 1.4 Ownership of the evaluation data/outcomes and right of access to the reported results are determined in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2. Identify evaluation methodology and tools
  • 2.1 Criteria for the evaluation and the audience for evaluation results are identified and communicated to stakeholders.
  • 2.2 Evaluation methods are selected from a range of alternatives to suit the scope, purpose and outcome requirements of the evaluation.
  • 2.3 Measuring tools and media are selected/developed to ensure valid and reliable evaluation results.
  • 2.4 An evaluation strategy is formulated in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure acceptance and commitment.
  • 2.5 Resource needs are determined in accordance with budgetary constraints and obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 2.6 Evaluation infrastructure is established in accordance with evaluation requirements and resource constraints.
3. Implement evaluation
  • 3.1 Implementation tasks are defined and clarified with stakeholders in accordance with the evaluation methodology.
  • 3.2 Evaluation strategy is implemented and data collected, collated and recorded against evaluation criteria in accordance with planned methodology.
  • 3.3 Expectations are managed and barriers to the evaluation are identified and addressed or referred in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.4 Progress of the evaluation is monitored and changes are negotiated as needed to timeframes, methodology or tools in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.5 Data is analysed/referred for specialist analysis, and results are compared with evaluation criteria.
  • 3.6 Preliminary results are presented for stakeholder feedback in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.7 The evaluation is conducted in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
4. Report outcomes
  • 4.1 An evaluation report is prepared that compares outcomes to the evaluation criteria established at the outset, and provides supporting evidence in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
  • 4.2 Recommendations for action are made in accordance with the terms of reference and supported by the evaluation outcomes.
  • 4.3 Unbiased and objective evaluation outcomes are reported in a form and language to suit the intended audience of the report.
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.
Purpose of evaluation may include:
measuring merit/quality
measuring worth or value for a particular purpose
measuring results, outputs or outcomes
decision making
unintentional negatives
Scope may include evaluation of:
planning
delivery
results
needs
objectives
design
processes
inputs
outputs
outcomes
impact
Stakeholders may include:
all those individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation that have some direct interest in the organisation's behaviour, actions, products and services such as:
the owner/organisation that commissioned the evaluation
those subject to the evaluation process
research staff who conduct evaluation
contractors/consultants contracted to conduct evaluation
employees at all levels of the organisation
community
clients
other public sector organisations
private sector
non-government organisations
union and association representatives
boards of management
government
Ministers
Criteria for evaluation may include:
whether objectives have been met
standards against which to compare quality
baseline studies for comparison
performance measures
key success areas
key performance indicators
results/outputs/outcomes
value for money
public interest
Evaluation methods may be:
qualitative
quantitative
anonymous
Measuring tools may include:
surveys
interviews
questionnaires
focus groups
semi-structured interview techniques
document analysis
process analysis
observation
tests
Media for measuring tools may include:
paper-based
Internet-based
email
electronic
face-to-face
telephone.
Evaluation infrastructure may include:
steering committee
manager
internal/external research staff
internal/external administrative staff
office
telephone
technology
email
web site
equipment
consumables
resources including budget
internal/external specialist or technical support
contractors
consultants
Presentation of information may include:
interim reports
progress reports
draft reports
executive summaries
to meetings, groups, seminars
Internet or email
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation including equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination law, for example:
Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act
Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act
Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act
Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act.
national and international codes of practice and standards
the organisation's policies and practices
government policy
codes of conduct
confidentiality
privacy
ethical practices and procedures
intellectual property
copyright
Recommendations for action may include:
new goals
improvement strategies
changes to services, products
governance strategies
change management strategies
termination
replacement
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
PSPFIN501A Apply public sector financial policies and processes
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPGOV505A Promote diversity
PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations
PSPGOV508A Manage conflict
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPPM502B Manage complex projects
PSPPOL501A Develop organisation policy
PSPPROC504A Finalise 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 Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
conduct of a range of (3 or more) evaluations in different contexts
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policies, procedures and protocols
access to an evaluation target
case studies and workplace scenarios
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 conducting evaluations, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
conduct of a range of (3 or more) evaluations in different contexts
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
AWV51 PSPGEN051 Conduct evaluations Unit of competency