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PSP04 Public Sector Training Package
Version 3 was endorsed on 10 October 2008 and was uploade to NTIS on 5 May 2009. The only change it contains is a new qualification - Diploma of Government (Rail Safety Regulation). The new package has 5 volumes but does not include a volume with Imported Units. The review date for the Training Package was extended to 31 March 2009 but at this stage a full review is not thought to be necessary. A CD version is available from GSA.
During 2009, skill sets will be developed for the Training Package. Imported units will also be reviewed for their currency. The continuous improvement process will also incorporate the projects outlined below.
It is anticipated that Version 4 of the Training Package will be submitted for endorsement in late January 2010.
Review of Competencies for Court Services
Following a request from the Australasian Committee for Court Education (ACCE), the Certificate IV in Government (Court Services) and the Diploma in Government (Court Services) have been reviewed. The ACCE formed a sub-committee to review and make recommendations to ensure the court competencies meet the requirements of courts nationally. There had been comment that some of the units were restrictive in their use of language, making it difficult to apply across all jurisdictions and in a number of cases, the performance criteria described practices that are no longer relevant or appropriate.
In addition to the review and updating of the 21 existing units, four new units have been developed for inclusion in PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4.
Consultation on these has closed.
Development of Competencies and a Qualification for Radiation Safety
In response to a request from industry representatives for a national framework of competencies and qualifications, GSA undetook a scoping exercise to recommend a way forward. The Report was presented to ARPANSA on 16th July 2008 and a Working Group was formed as a sub-committee of the Radiation Health Committee to look at the development of competencies for radiation protection. At this stage clinical and non-ionising radiation competencies are not being considered by GSA - but Community Services & Health and Service Skills Australia have projects. A presentation on the project was made at the ARPS Conference in Canberra on 21st September 2008 and there will be an update at the 2009 Conference. A formal Steering Committee has been established two meetings have been held.
Consultation forums have been held in Sydney, Adelaide, Mackay, Perth and Melbourne and we thank those who gave up their time to provide input to the process. Eight draft units were developed covering a range of roles from radiation workers to Radiation Safety Officers on industrial sites. The feedback was reviewed by a Working Group set up by the Radiation Health Committee and two transport units were merged to result in seven redrafted units.
In July two further units were released bringing the number of draft units to nine.
In August a 10th unit was drafted by a small expert group. The unit will form the key component of a Vocational Graduate Certificate “Apply a specialised knowledge of radiation protection and safety to develop and implement an ionising radiation management plan”.
Some units are able to be grouped into skill sets for different groups of workers.
Consultation on these has closed and the units and qualification are to be included in PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4.
Review of Competencies for Procurement
At the request of the Department of Defence and the ATO consideration was given to a minor review of the procurement competencies to take account of their special needs. Since this was announced interest has been expressed in the possibility of expanding the current procurement competencies and qualifications.
Due to the professionalisation of the procurement function all the units covering procurement and contract management in the Public Sector Training Package are being re-examined to ensure they meet future needs. A workshop was held in Canberra in July 2009, which provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the review.
Bayley and Associates were commissioned to manage the review of the competencies. Bayley and Associates conducted extensive stakeholder consultation, including an online survey that indicated a consensus from stakeholders about the content and structure of proposed qualifications and units of competency.
Bayley and Associates developed:
Consultation on these has closed and the units and qualification are to be included in PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4.
New Qualifications for Trade Measurement and Fair Trading
At the request of the National Measurement Institute, new qualifications have been developed for Trade Measurement Inspectors. A Project Working Group for Trade Measurement reviewed competencies, and final drafts are available for qualifications in Certificate IV in Government (Trade Measurement) and Diploma of Government (Trade Measurement) and a proposed skill sets for verifiers. Consultation on the drafts has now clsoed.
Only one new unit is being planned for PSP04 with the technical competencies being imported from Manaufacturing Skills Australia (follow link below). Manufacturing Skills Australia have drafted 10 technical competencies for trade measurement and these are avalable on their website. http://www.mskills.com.au/Projects.aspx?Sectorld=70&ProjectId=10085
A new unit has been developed for weighbridge operators to meet future licensing requirements.
Consultation on these has closed and the units and qualification are to be included in PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4.
Since the project was announced, there has been interest in expanding the qualifications to cover all those who work in the trading standards field which includes Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs. A Project Working Group for Fair Trading is being established and will commence work in 2010 to coincide with the National Reform Agenda on Consumer Affairs and the introduction of Australia Consumer Law in January 2011.
Qualifications for those working in Public Affairs in Government
GSA has been approached to consider developing qualifications for those working in Public Affairs. At the moment there are some competencies at Diploma level. Little interest has been shown in the development of qualifications so this project has been removed from the current workplan. If stakeholders want the project reinstated they should contact Lynn Greenwood and provide information to assist determining need for qualifications.
Qualifications for those working in Workplace Relations and Human Resources in Government
Fair Work Australia/Fair Work Ombudman was established on 1 July 2009, and one of the previous entitities The Workplace Authority approached GSA to coordinate the development of a Certificate IV (and possibly Diploma) level qualification to assist in the creation of a professional service and also provide career pathways. Consultation were undertaken in Melbourne and Adelaide with draft units developed. Further consultation/validations sessions were held in in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.
A Certificate IV, Diploma and Skills Sets have been developed. Consultation on the draft units and qualifications in Workplace Relations has now closed and the units and qualifications are to be included in PSP04 Public Sector Training Package Version 4.
GSA had also been approached to consider developing a qualification for those working at a Certificate IV level in Human Resources departments. At the moment there is a qualification at Diploma level. As the target audience may be limited it was thought that there might be an opportunity to combine work on a Certificate IV level qualification with that for the project on workforce relations. However, as there is sufficient content for a Certificate IV in Workplace Relations further work will need to be undertaken during 2010 on the development of a proposed Certificate IV in Human Resources (Government) which may be relevant for both public sector and local government employees.
Amendments to OH&S Competencies in PSP04 Qualifications
Several RTOs and Government agencies have commented that the OH&S competencies are difficult to achieve because OH&S responsibilities are now managed at higher levels in agencies. GSA would like to hear formally from those agencies/RTOs with suggestions for changes. Please place comment on the Feedback Register or write directly to Lynn Greenwood so GSA can make a business case for amendments to meet the needs of our clients. Feeback received to date indicates that a simple solution might be to include the option of the level 4 OH&S unit as well as a level 5 one in Diplomas and also the option of a risk assessment unit.
DEEWR has advised that any such changes will result in recoding of all qualifications so action has been deferred until 2010 when it is planned to conduct a more major review of the qualifications.
Project Management Competencies in PSP04 and BSB07 Qualifications
IBSA is undertaking a review of its Project Management qualifications as a result of changed requirements in the Project Management Book of Knowledge. A meeting was held in Sydney between IBSA, GSA, the AIPM and several interested RTOs and the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet in late January 2009 to discuss proposed changes and the impact on the Public Sector qualifications for project management.
The qualifications in PSP04 follow a life cycle approach rather than the strict PMBOK approach, which the IBSA qualification follows. It was agreed that there is merit in both approaches as certified practising project managers have to be able to demonstrate both life cycle and PMBOK if they seek AIPM accreditation. GSA has met with AIPM and they recognise that the public sector qualification is a valid basis for AIPM accreditation.
These developments will lead to a minor review of the PSP04 project management competencies during 2009. The group that met in January will meet later in the year. If any other employers or RTOs wish to be involved in these developments or future meetings, please contact Lynn Greenwood at GSA.
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