(PSP40116)
Information for public authorities and candidates
Enquiries
Integrity Promotion, Public Sector Commission
Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street, West Perth 6005
Locked Bag 3002, West Perth WA 6872
Telephone: (08) 6552 8888 Fax: (08) 6552 8710
Email:
Website: www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
© State of Western Australia 2017
There is no objection to this publication being copied in whole or part, provided there is due acknowledgement of any material quoted or reproduced from the publication.
Published by the Public Sector Commission (Western Australia), September 2017.
Copies of this document are available on the Public Sector Commission website at www.publicsector.wa.gov.au
Disclaimer
The Western Australian Government is committed to quality service to its customers and makes every attempt to ensure accuracy, currency and reliability of the data contained in these documents. However, changes in circumstances after time of publication may impact the quality of this information.
Confirmation of the information may be sought from originating bodies or departments providing the information.
Accessibility
Copies of this document are available in alternative formats upon request.
Contents
Introduction 4
Investigations skills training initiative 4
Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416) 4
Certificate IV of Government Investigations 5
Units of competency to be achieved 5
Eligibility 5
Selection criteria 6
How to apply 6
Notification 6
Duration and number of intakes 6
Cost 7
Benefits 7
Application Form 8
Certificate IV in Government Investigations
(PSP40116) 4
Introduction
The Commissioner has the function of promoting the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the WA Public Sector, plus specific functions that can be broadly placed under the title of integrity management, arising from the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
Since 1 July 2015, the Public Sector Commission (Commission) now has a number of functions arising from the Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003. This covers
’public authorities‘ which includes the WA Public Sector, Local Government, Public Universities and Government Trading Enterprises. Specifically, the ’prevention and education‘ function includes – 'generally increasing the capacity of public authorities to prevent and combat misconduct by providing advice and training to those authorities…’
The capacity of public authorities to undertake investigations into misconduct has been identified as an area requiring attention.
Investigations skills training initiative
The Commissioner made a decision to offer a centrally managed and funded Certificate IV in Government Investigations. It is intended that nominations will be sought from the Chief Executive Officers of all public authorities, for staff involved in investigating misconduct and associated integrity issues.
The program is targeted at current government investigators or those who, in their current job roles are likely to be asked to undertake investigations into misconduct or integrity matters within their public authorities. It is designed to enhance their career pathways and opportunities through on-the-job development within their own agency. Participants will attend a five day workshop and be assessed through on-the-job evidence. On completion participants will receive a formal, nationally accredited Certificate IV in Government Investigations qualification.
Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416)
The Certificate IV in Government Investigations covers the recognised competencies required by those responsible for statutory investigations under a range of legislation, regulations, mandated government and organisational policy, and instructions.
To successfully complete this qualification, a total of 15 units of competency must be successfully completed.
Certificate IV of Government Investigations
Units of competency to be achieved
Core units
PSPETH002 Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPINV001 Plan and initiate an investigation
PSPINV002 Conduct an investigation
PSPINV003 Finalise an investigation
PSPREG003 Apply regulatory powers
PSPREG012 Gather information through interviews
Group A elective
BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
Other electives
PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview
PSPREG008 Act on non-compliance
PSPREG005 Assess compliance
PSPGEN033 Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
PSPLEG002 Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG010 Prepare a brief of evidence
PSPREG011 Give evidence
Please note: electives were chosen by the Registered Training Organisation in consultation with the Commission.
Eligibility
The program is aimed at those officers who have responsibility for investigations under a degree of supervision.
Targeted job positions that conduct and coordinate investigations could include:
· Investigators, Compliance Officers and Assessors
· Integrity and Governance Officers
· Human Resources Officers
Selection criteria
The applicants:
· Must be current government investigators or those who, in their current job role, are likely to be asked to undertake investigations into misconduct or integrity matters. Preference will be given to those who have the most direct need for such a qualification, and then those who may do investigations at some time as part of their duties.
· Must commit to the direct time off the job, on the job assignments and assessments and out of session study in addition to other work as indicated.
· Must have approval from the public authority CEO to enter into the program, plus the support and guidance of a manager, supervisor and/or director to assist with the take-away component of the work.
· Must not have already attained either the Certificate IV in Government Investigations or a Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance).
· Please note: that recognition for prior learning will not be considered in the Certificate IV in Government Investigations course.
How to apply
Individuals who meet the criteria can complete the application form in this booklet and provide it to their CEO for nomination. If nominating more than one person from the public authority, CEOs will be asked to rank their nominations in priority order.
Notification
All applications are due Thursday 28 September 2017. These applications will be assessed and applicants notified of the outcome by Friday 6 October 2017.
Please note: There are limited places available.
Duration and number of intakes
The first course will commence on 23 October 2017. The course will include a 5 day workshop with the Registered Training Organisation. The take-home component will need to be completed within six months of completing the workshop to achieve the qualification.
On completion of the program, participants will receive the nationally accredited Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416).
Three courses will be held in the metropolitan area, which will be held at the Commission, with two regional courses in the Pilbara and Mid-West regions, (dependent upon numbers).
Assessment
A trainer will assess the individual through in class observation, portfolio of evidence, research and assignments and may also include limited feedback from the officer’s manager or supervisor, through on-the-job development within the agency.
Cost
The Commission will fund all direct program, training, materials and general course costs. The public authority may be required to pay for any associated accommodation or travel costs if required.
Benefits
Benefits for public authorities include:
· flexible delivery with minimal off-the-job training and majority on-the-job development and assessment
· up skilling employees
· providing valuable resources and references for increasing the awareness and understanding of the mechanics of government investigations
· improving practices and governance within this specialised business area
· increasing professional networking across agencies
Benefits for employees include:
· a nationally recognised qualification within the field of government investigation
· training in best practices specific to public authorities
· networking with participants, sharing knowledge across agencies
· increased access to tangible and real bodies of work that relate to learning outcomes on–the-job.
· providing a career path and identifying additional development requirements though on-the-job development
· increasing competitive advantage for higher level positions.
Benefits for the sector include:
· reinforcing the requirement to build strong governance in government investigations within public authorities
· directly addressing aging workforce needs, by investing in experienced employees
· tapping into talented current and future leaders who are enthusiastic and embrace innovation.
Certificate IV in Government Investigations (PSP40416)
Application Form
· Please ensure every question is completed
· This application form must be submitted to by COB Thursday 28 September 2017.
· Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified if they have been successful by 6 October 2017.
Applicants DetailsApplicants name
Applicants job title – please attach JDF to application
Name of public authority where you are employed
Name of branch/division
Extent to which the applicant is currently undertaking government investigations or likely to be asked to undertake investigations in the future.
Please list completed prior qualifications if applicable – if not enough room please attach on separate page.
Duration of experience in investigations and or compliance in months/years
Work Phone / Mobile (must be filled in)
Email:
Location - Metropolitan / Yes / Regional (where) / Yes
Managers Details
Name of applicants workplace manager, supervisor or director and their job title
Managers phone / Managers email
If applicant is successful, please acknowledge that you will be required to undertake some direct training in the form of limited workshops, completion of relevant work assignments and assessments, additional personal study and completion of work after hours.
Yes No
Approvals and Signatures
Applicants name / Signature
Date
Manager or Director name / Signature
Manager / Director: When signing this you are stating that you will support the applicant from your agency and provide opportunities within the workplace for them to achieve on the job training where appropriate.
Date
Public Authority CEO approval and support / Signature
Date
Please attach a copy of your Job Description Form (JDF), when sending in your application. If you, your manager or director requires further information regarding any aspect of the course, please contact:
· Senior Consultant, Rafal Spychalski on 6552 8781 or or
· Senior Consultant, Sarah Dunstan on 6552 8508 or .
9