RECENT ASSIGNMENT

PSPETH002 - Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
Participant – Assessment Booklet

Page intentionally left blank

Assessment Cover Sheet
This cover sheet must accompany each separate assessment submission.
Name Student ID
Agency (if applicable)
Assessment PSPETH002 – Assessment Booklet
Units of competency PSPETH002 Uphold and support the values and principles of the public service

Student’s declaration
Yes No
? ? I/We have read and understood the details of the assessment.
? ? I/We have been informed of the conditions of the assessment and the appeals process.
? ? I/We agree to participate in this assessment.
? ? I have made a photocopy or electronic copy of my assignment, which I can produce if the original is misplaced.
? ? I/We certify that the attached is my/our own work.
Student’s signature Date
Assessment results
? Not yet competent ? Competent
Comments/Feedback from assessor to student
Comments/Feedback from student to assessor
Assessor’s name Date
Assessor’s signature
Student’s name Date
Student’s signature
This cover sheet and all assessment documents are to be forwarded to the Course Coordinator, KPS & Associates Pty Ltd. Assessments can be submitted by either uploading to the KPS training management system; email to info@kpstraining.edu.au or via regular mail to:
Course Coordinator,
KPS & Associates Pty Ltd
PO Box 4289, Gumdale QLD 4154
You should save this document to your desktop before commencing this assessment and keep a saved copy on your desktop.
1. Go to File / Save As
2. Select desktop and then hit save

Student Instructions:
Well done! Now that you have worked through course lessons and completed the self-assessment activities you should be ready to complete your formal assessment. Each unit of competency has a formal assessment relevant to the topic. For this unit, you will find:
1. A set of short-answer questions (compulsory for all students)
2. (Option A) Workplace Project or (Option B) Case Study (compulsory for all students)
3. Ethical Issue Matching (compulsory for all students)
4. Identifying and Interpreting Ethics Related Legislation (compulsory for all students)
5. Identifying and Interpreting Ethical Values (compulsory for all students)
Your assessment for this unit will comprise answering all short-answer questions scenarios and/or practical tasks and either the workplace project (Option A) OR, if this is not possible, the case study (Option B).
If you are unsure you should liaise with your assessor to discuss which assessment option will best suit your circumstances, confirm the assessment requirements and answer any questions that you may have. Generally, the workplace project (Option A) is for those who have had exposure to workplace activity which is relevant to the competency.
Word Counts
You will find that word counts are given in some sections of the assignments. Please note that this is a guide only and is not restrictive – your goal should be to demonstrate your knowledge and skills for your assessor.
Background
To gain recognition for this unit of competency you must demonstrate your ability to:
• Contribute to an ethical public sector workplace
• Participate in ethical decision making
Details of the knowledge, skills and performance criteria you are being assessed against can be found in the front section of the PSPETH002 - Uphold and support the values and principles of public service learner guide.
Instructions to the learner
Read all the material in your learner guide before completing any of the assessment activities. Read all the questions for this unit of competency before attempting to answer them. Answer all the questions for this unit of competency. Keep in mind you are studying a nationally recognised unit of competency. Your answers must reflect a broad factual, technical and some theoretical knowledge of the unit of competency. Read through the practical assessment and instructions and discuss these with your assessor before beginning the assessment. There may be specific requirements that you need to be aware of. Your skills must display a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to practical tasks identified in the unit of competency.
General Information online and blended students
You must complete all your own work without assistance from other persons: You can have access to your learner guides or other materials to assist answering the questions. The assessor will take steps/make arrangements to ensure candidates do not share their work and / or answers. The assessor will make arrangements to receive the completed assessment via email, USB, on-line, printed or similar.
General Information workplace students
For students undertaking on the job learning, the assessment will be conducted in the workplace. You may be required to complete a combination of scenarios, case studies, role plays and answer a series of questions based on the unit of competency you are undertaking. your assessor will record all details about the tasks you perform. as your assessor observes you completing tasks they will ask you questions. the assessor will record your answers. safety is critical, and the assessor will stop the assessment if safe working protocols are breached.

All tasks/behaviours must be performed correctly and will be marked ‘Competent or ‘Not Yet Competent’. HELP: If you have difficulty understanding the tasks please ask your assessor for help. Your assessor will give you appropriate help needed to complete the assessment.
Assessment instructions
For students undertaking on the job learning, the assessment will be conducted in the workplace. You may be required to complete a combination of scenarios, case studies, role plays and answer a series of questions based on the unit of competency you are undertaking.
Prior to commencing the assessments, read each assessment task and the terms and conditions relating to the submission of your assessment task. Please consult with your trainer/assessor if you are unsure of any questions. It is important that you understand and adhere to the terms and conditions, and address fully each assessment task. If any assessment task is not fully addressed, then your assessment task will be returned to you for resubmission. Your trainer/assessor will remain available to support you throughout the assessment process.
Assessment requirements
Assessment can either be:
• direct observation
• product-based methods e.g. reports, role plays, work samples
• portfolios – annotated and validated
• questioning
• third party evidence.
If submitting third party evidence, a third-party observation/demonstration document must be completed by the agreed third party. If you wish to submit third party evidence, please liaise with your assessor who will provide the appropriate third-party observation/demonstration document.
Third parties can be:
• supervisors
• trainers
• team members
• clients
• consumers.
Third-party observation is to be used by the assessor to assist them in determining competency. The assessment activities in this workbook assess aspects of all the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge and performance requirements of the unit of competency. This assessment allows you to demonstrate your skills and knowledge against this unit of competency. To demonstrate competence in this unit you must undertake all activities in this workbook and have them deemed satisfactory by the assessor. If you do not answer some questions or perform certain tasks, and therefore you are deemed to be Not Yet Competent, your trainer/assessor may ask you supplementary questions to determine your competence.
Once you have demonstrated the required level of performance, you will be deemed competent in this unit. Your assignments will be assessed to ensure that you display your ability to demonstrate current application of knowledge and skills as well as demonstrate all elements of competency and their performance criteria. As part of the assessment process, all learners must abide by any relevant assessment policies as provided during induction. If you feel you are not yet ready to be assessed or that this assessment is unfair, please contact your assessor to discuss your options. You have the right to formally appeal any outcome and, if you wish to do so, discuss this with your trainer/assessor.
Written work
Assessment tasks are used to measure your understanding and underpinning skills and knowledge of the overall unit of competency. When undertaking any written assessment tasks, please ensure that you address the following criteria:
• address each question including any sub-points
• demonstrate that you have researched the topic thoroughly
• cover the topic in a logical, structured manner
• your assessment tasks are well presented, well referenced and word processed
• your assessment tasks include your full legal name on each and every page.
Active participation
It is a condition of enrolment that you actively participate in your studies. Active participation is completing all the assessment tasks on time.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is taking and using someone else's thoughts, writings or inventions and representing them as your own. Plagiarism is a serious act and may result in a learner’s exclusion from a course. When you have any doubts about including the work of other authors in your assessment, please consult your trainer/assessor.
The following list outlines some of the activities for which a learner can be accused of plagiarism:
• presenting any work by another individual as one's own unintentionally
• handing in assessments markedly similar to or copied from another learner
• presenting the work of another individual or group as their own work
• handing in assessments without the adequate acknowledgement of sources used, including assessments taken totally or in part from the internet.
If it is identified that you have plagiarised within your assessment, then a meeting will be organised to discuss this with you, and further action may be taken accordingly.
Collusion
Collusion is the presentation by a learner of an assignment as their own that is, in fact, the result in whole or in part of unauthorised collaboration with another person or persons. Collusion involves the cooperation of two or more learners in plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct and, as such, both parties are subject to disciplinary action. Collusion or copying from other learners is not permitted and will result in a “0” grade and NYC.
Assessments must be typed using document software such as (or similar to) MS Office. Handwritten assessments will not be accepted (unless, prior written confirmation is provided by the trainer/assessor to confirm).
Competency outcome
There are two outcomes of assessments: S = Satisfactory and NS = Not Satisfactory (requires more training and experience).
Once the learner has satisfactorily completed all the tasks for this module the learner will be awarded “Competent” (C) or “Not yet Competent” (NYC) for the relevant unit of competency.
If you are deemed “Not Yet Competent” you will be provided with feedback from your assessor and will be given another chance to resubmit your assessment task(s). If you are still deemed as “Not Yet Competent” you will be required to re-enrol in the unit of competency.
Additional evidence
If we, at our sole discretion, determine that we require additional or alternative information/evidence in order to determine competency, you must provide us with such information/evidence, subject to privacy and confidentiality issues. We retain this right at any time, including after submission of your assessments.
Confidentiality
We will treat anything, including information about your job, workplace, employer, with strict confidence, in accordance with the law. However, you are responsible for ensuring that you do not provide us with anything regarding any third party including your employer, colleagues and others, that they do not consent to the disclosure of. While we may ask you to provide information or details about aspects of your employer and workplace, you are responsible for obtaining necessary consents and ensuring that privacy rights and confidentiality obligations are not breached by you in supplying us with such information.

Recognised prior learning
Candidates will be able to have their previous experience or expertise recognised on request.
Special needs
Candidates with special needs should notify their trainer/assessor to request any required adjustments as soon as possible. This will enable the trainer/assessor to address the identified needs immediately.
What happens afterwards?
Complete the assessment sign off sheet with your assessor. All questions and tasks must be marked correct to be assessed as satisfactory. If the Assessor deems necessary, you may be asked clarifying questions and/or requested to perform an activity or component of an activity where the Assessor requires additional evidence of your competence. You will be offered an opportunity to discuss your performance prior to receiving feedback. You will be given the opportunity for feedback provided by the Assessor. You will be advised of any gap training and the re-sit process if required. When you have finished the assessment, the assessor will check your performance and answers and let you know if the outcome is “Competent” or “Not Yet Competent”.
Assessment appeals process
If you feel that you have been unfairly treated during your assessment, and you are not happy with your assessment and/or the outcome as a result of that treatment, you have the right to lodge an appeal. You must first discuss the issue with your trainer/assessor. If you would like to proceed further with the request after discussions with your trainer/assessor, you need to lodge your appeal to the course coordinator, in writing, outlining the reason(s) for the appeal.
Knowledge Assessment Item 1
Student Instructions:
Answer the following questions in the area provided. The box will expand when typed in.
Question 1: What are ethical values and principles?
Enter answer here
Question 2: Why do organisations have a Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice?
Enter answer here
Question 3: Briefly describe your ethical obligations as a Government employee.
Enter answer here
Question 4: As a supervisor, how could you ensure your staff and colleagues understand ethical conduct relating to their work?
Enter answer here
Question 5: Explaining in your own words, describe 3 hypothetical work practices that could be identified as unethical conduct and include how you would avoid or deal with them in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
Enter hypothetical work practice 1 here
Enter hypothetical work practice 2 here
Enter hypothetical work practice 3 here
Question 6: How would you regularly access information to ensure currency in ethical knowledge, and develop ethical judgment?
Enter answer here
Question 7: What is the purpose of the Public Interest Disclosure / Whistle-blower legislation in your jurisdiction?
Enter answer here
Question 8: Why do values and ethics vary from person to person?
Enter answer here

Question 9: What is your understanding of the terms natural justice and procedural fairness?
Enter answer here
Question 10: How can you prevent and resolve unethical or negative behaviours in the workplace?
Enter answer here
Question 11: What are your obligations for disclosing and reporting unethical conduct in the workplace?
Enter answer here
Question 12: Identify how you can support staff to contribute to ethical discussions and problem solving to assist in developing ethical judgement?
Enter answer here

Practical Assessment Item 2A Workplace Project
Student Instructions:
You are required to complete either this workplace project or the integrated case study on the following pages. This workplace project is for students who have had exposure to workplace activity which is relevant to the unit of competency. Answer the following questions in the area provided. The box will expand when typed in.
(Note: If you are not currently employed in a public service, investigative or regulatory field then complete Assignment 2B instead of this assessment).
Provide a detailed example with supporting evidence for each of the following. (Note: Examples are to be included in the provided areas below. Any supporting evidence is to be included in your response for review by workplace assessor.
Question 1: Up to 500 words
Identify an ethical dilemma that you have faced in your work and respond by answering the following points:
• Outline the dilemma
• Analyse your actions (how did you deal with it)
• What strategies did you undertake to report and resolve this situation?
• What organisational policies, procedures or legislation did you utilise to deal with the issue?
• Upon reflection of completing this unit is there anything you would do differently
Enter answer here

Practical Assessment Item 2B Integrated Case Study
Student Instructions:
You are required to complete this integrated case study. Read the following case study and complete the following task. Answer the questions in the area provided. The box will expand when typed in.
Question 1: Up to 500 words
Identify an ethical dilemma that you may face at work or have experienced during your life. If you are currently employed use your current workplace. If not then draw on past experiences from previous employment, attendance at school or even volunteering at a club or other organisation.
• Outline the dilemma
• What actions you would take to deal with it
• What strategies might you undertake to report and resolve the situation should the dilemma ever eventuate
• What organisational policies, procedures or legislation would you look to for assistance in dealing with the issue?
Enter answer here

Practical Assessment Item 3 Ethical Issue Matching
Student Instructions:
Read the following information and complete the following task.
Complete the following:
Read each of the situations in column A of the table and match the most appropriate ethical principle that has been breached from the list below in column B. Each ethical principle can only be used once.
1. Integrity and impartiality
2. Promoting the public good
3. Commitment to the system of government
4. Accountability and transparency
Situation Answer
1. James accesses the internal computer system to conduct a personnel check on another employee to locate their address.
2. Jim is a supervisor and is displaying obvious favouritism towards the males as well as communicating negatively towards the females.
3. Sally does not agree with a State Government decision on mining and makes a statement to the media criticising this decision. She gives the perception the comment is on behalf of her employer.
4. Christine works at a front counter of a public library. When she deals with members of the public she is generally rude and unhelpful to people seeking her assistance.
Practical Assessment Item 4 Identifying and Interpreting Ethics Related Legislation
Student Instructions:
Read the following information and complete the following task.
Part A: You are an Administration Officer in a Public Service department. In your office is Jasmine another Administration Officer. Jasmine came to Australia three years ago as a migrant. She spent her first year at TAFE improving her English. She has been with the organisation for eighteen months. Last Thursday you observed her photocopying. When you went to the photocopier after her, you found she had left the original document. This document was a fundraising flyer for a community group. You approached Jasmine and asked, “is this flyer yours?” She acknowledged that it was. You asked her, “why she was photocopying these flyers at work?” Jasmine replied that her community group is trying to raise funds for the elderly and photocopying the flyers at work will save money that can be used to help the elderly.
On Friday, you noticed her taking a work vehicle at lunch time. She returned to the office and recommenced her administration duties. You approached her and asked where she went with a work vehicle? She replied that her supervisor asked her to pick up stationery supplies that the office needed.
Question 1: In the above scenario identify the unethical behaviour that has occurred.
Enter answer here
Question 2: Identify which ethical principle the behaviour does not comply with and explain why.
Enter answer here
Part B: You are not sure if Jasmine is aware that her behaviour is unethical and because of this you decide to bring it to her attention. Respond to the following questions.
Question 3: You have a discussion with Jasmine. Outline what you would discuss with Jasmine, ensuring you address the following points.
a) The unethical behaviour that you identified in part A and the reasons why her behaviour is unethical.
b) The ethical principles contained in the Public Sector Legislation or Code of Conduct in your own jurisdiction (if none exists use the Qld Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 and Code of Conduct).
c) Why personal values and ethics could vary to those stated in the Public Sector Legislation you utilised.
d) The Public Sector Legislation or Code of Conduct Jasmine needs to follow and the reasons why.
e) Where Jasmine can access the legislation and policies to ensure her work practices comply with the requirements.
Enter answer (a) Here
Enter answer (b) Here

Enter answer (c) Here
Enter answer (d) Here
Enter answer (e) Here
Question 4: Explain how you can assist in providing support to assist Jasmine developing ethical judgement for the future. Chose a method to convey the information to Jasmine and explain why you have chosen this method
Enter answer here
Part C: Two weeks have passed since you provided Jasmine with the information regarding ethical behaviour. You go to the photocopier and find more flyers for her community group. You confirm that the flyers belong to her. As you have an obligation to report unethical behaviour you decide to report, in writing, the incident to your supervisor.
Based on the information provided in this assessment complete a report to your supervisor using the template on the following page. You can adlib or make up information such as the types of policies, procedures or codes of conduct you would refer to in a real workplace. Information in italics in the report template is for your information only to explain each section and can be typed over.
In this report:
• Detail what has happened.
• Identify the unethical behaviour.
• Explain why the conduct identified is unethical and relate the situation to the ethical principles of the Public Sector Ethics Legislation / Code of Conduct you referred to earlier in this assessment.
• Explain why the behaviour breaches the Public Sector Ethics Legislation / Code of Conduct for the organisation
• Suggest a strategy that will prevent this and other unethical conduct occurring in the future.

Workplace Misconduct Report
Background
Detail what has happened and identify the unethical behaviour.
Issues
Explain why the conduct identified is unethical and relate the situation to the ethical principles of the Public Sector Ethics Legislation you referred to earlier in this assessment.
Matters for consideration
Explain why the behaviour breaches the Code of Conduct for the organisation
Recommendations
Suggest a strategy that will prevent this and other unethical conduct occurring in the future.
Name
Position
Agency

Practical Assessment Item 5 Identifying and Interpreting Ethical Values
Student Instructions:
Read the following information and complete the following task.
Select 2 of the ethical values from the list below. Give an example of how you use legislation/agency policy/agency guidelines to uphold each of the values you have chosen. Identify potential unethical conduct related to each value and decide on strategies to deal with such conduct.
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Probity
• Procedural fairness
• Trustworthiness
• Conflicts of interest
• Honesty
• Accountability
• Openness
• Respect for others
Ethical Value How I use legislation/ policy/ guidelines to uphold/apply this ethical value Potential unethical conduct related to this value Strategies to deal with this
Value 1:
Value 2: