Course Title: Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: HWSS5407C

Course Title: Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4323 - Certificate IV in Justice

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Nil

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to exhibit ethical conduct required of those in public service and the responsibility to encourage ethical conduct in others, colleagues or supervised staff.
It includes contributing to an ethical public sector workplace and participating in ethical decision making.
In practice, ethical conduct is demonstrated in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, awarding contracts, etc.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
Element:	1. Contribute to an ethcial public sector workplace.
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Information on the ethical values and principles of the workplace is accessed, its interpretation confirmed with others and applied accordingly 1.2 Application of ethical values and principles is discussed with senior management and colleagues to ensure common understanding and application 1.3 Others are assisted to access and use public sector ethics legislation and guidelines to ensure their work practices comply with requirements 1.4 The differences between public sector ethics/values and personal beliefs/values are explained to others to encourage understanding and compliance 1.5 Hypothetical work practices that would constitute unethical conduct are identified and discussed with work colleagues, and strategies to avoid or deal with them are identified in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
Element:	2. Participate in ethical decision making.
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Real and potential ethical problems are identified, and decision making processes are used to resolve or refer them in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 2.2 Information is regularly accessed to ensure currency in ethical knowledge, and ethical judgment is developed through involvement in workplace discussions or ongoing professional development related to ethical standards and practices 2.3 Other staff are supported as necessary to contribute to ethical discussions and problem solving to develop their ethical judgment 2.4 Processes for preventing and reporting unethical conduct are used and others are assisted in their application

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate and support in others ethical conduct in a range of contexts (occasions/situations) where contexts include generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, awarding contracts, etc.

Details of Learning Activities

In class activities will incorporate
Face to face lectures, simulated workplace scenarios, practical demonstrations and role-plays that identify with professional practice within the criminal justice system
· Individual oral and written questioning, and student-led group discussions and/or presentations, will exemplify your contextualizing of the class topics, and validate your learning of key ethical principles and code of conduct for working in criminal justice settings
Out of class activities will Incorporate
· Readings, researching case studies, completing remaining in class activities, and preparing for in class group presentations/discussions

Teaching Schedule

Session One
Overview of Course
Introduction to the Values and Principles of Public Service
Discussion of expected outcomes of the course for application in the justice environment
Outline of prescribed texts and readings for course
Protocols & Classroom Etiquette
Explanation of university expectations of conduct and classroom etiquette
Explain ‘Student Conduct Procedure’

Course Guide
Unit Elements & Performance Criteria
Discussion requirements for assignment submission, navigation of online resources and in-class activities
Homework assignments
Formative & Summative Assessment Tasks

Session Two
Introduction to Ethical Principles
What is Professional Reputation
What are ethical values and principles
Code of Conduct (VPS)
Public Administration Act 2004

Session Three
Professional Ethics (Underpinning Theory)
Labelling Theory
Attachment Theory

Session Four
Professional Ethics (Underpinning Theory)
Utilitarianism
Kantian Principles

Ethics in Practice
Natural Justice; Procedural Fairness; Duty of Care
Contemporary models for ethical decision making
Private Ethics V Professional Ethics

Session Five
Legislation And Ethical Practice In Government
Conflict of Interest

Session Six
Discuss Summative Assessment 1
Summative Assessment One: Conflict of Interest Essay (1500 words)
Complete a written essay addressing one of three, simulated workplace conflict of interest scenarios.
Students are to identify the conflict of interest, referencing correct practices and legislation and providing appropriate advice and resolution strategies.
Reference is to be made to the Public Administration Act 2004
Additionally, a minimum of three (3) academic references must be used, identifying appropriate theories and their application
This task will contribute to 25% of the overall mark for the semester.

Session Seven
Professional Boundaries
Attachment Theory
Sexual Harassment
Social Media
Confidentiality & Privacy Law

29/08/16 - 02/09/16 - MID SEMESTER BREAK

Session Eight
Values & Principles in various arms of the Criminal Justice System
Law Enforcement Agencies
Police

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT 1 DUE

Session Nine
Values & Principles in various arms of the Criminal Justice System
Courts & Judiciary
Legal Fraternity

Session Ten
Values & Principles in various arms of the Criminal Justice System
Corrections

Discussion
Review of Assignment 1
Identification of areas of improvement
Discussion of theories in practice and their application to the CJS

26/09/16 - 30/09/16 – NO CLASSES

Session Eleven
Discuss Summative Assessment 2
Summative Assessment Two: Values & Principles Essay (1500 words)
Complete a written essay addressing one of three, simulated workplace scenarios that impact on the values and principles of an arm of the public service (Investigation; Adjudication; Corrections)
Students are to ensure they incorporate and identify theoretical values/principles, identify all possible moral dilemmas, decide what is the most immediate moral/ethical dilemma, and resolve by using ethical decision making systems based on theories
Additionally, a minimum of three (3) academic references must be used, identifying appropriate theories and their application
This task will contribute to 25% of the overall mark for the semester.

Session Twelve
Revision Workshop

Session Thirteen
Revision Workshop
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT 2 DUE

Session Fourteen
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT 3 – EXAM
Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Exam
This task will contribute to 50% of overall grade for the subject
NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including case studies, observations, scenarios, simulation and/or role plays, lectures, tutorials, class discussions, practical exercises, audio-visual presentations, research and interaction with individuals and/or groups within the justice industry.

Assessments will include;

Assessment	Assessment Type	Word limit or equivalent
Assessment One	Essay on Conflict of interest	1500 words
Assessment Two	Essay on Values and Principles	1500 words
Assessment Three	Exam	Multiple choice and short answer

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca

Assessment Tasks

Formative Assessments:
Conflict of interest online module and interactive assessment
Students are required to complete the State Services Authority online conflict of interest module and provide evidence by way of automatically generated certificate from the website.
Scenario based workshops where students must provide evidence of applying ethical framework and decision-making models to practical everyday justice scenarios will be applied during class time as Formative assessment tasks.

Summative Assessment One: Conflict of Interest Essay (1500 words)
Complete a written essay addressing one of three, simulated workplace conflict of interest scenarios.
Students are to identify the conflict of interest, referencing correct practices and legislation and providing appropriate advice and resolution strategies.
Reference is to be made to the Public Administration Act 2004
Additionally, a minimum of three (3) academic references must be used, identifying appropriate theories and their application
This task will contribute to 25% of the overall mark for the semester.

Summative Assessment Two: Values & Principles Essay (1500 words)
Complete a written essay addressing one of three, simulated workplace scenarios that impact on the values and principles of an arm of the public service (Investigation; Adjudication; Corrections)
Students are to ensure they incorporate and identify theoretical values/principles, identify all possible moral dilemmas, decide what is the most immediate moral/ethical dilemma, and resolve by using ethical decision making systems based on theories
Additionally, a minimum of three (3) academic references must be used, identifying appropriate theories and their application
This task will contribute to 25% of the overall mark for the semester.

Summative Assessment Three: Exam
Multiple Choice and Short Answer Question Exam
This assessment task will contribute to 50% of overall grade for the subject

Assessment Matrix

Graded results are summative assessments and will be recorded as either:
CHD - Competent High Distinction;
CDI - Competent with Distinction,
CC - Competent with Credit;
CAG - Competency Achieved-Graded;
NYC - Not Yet Competent; or
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment.

Other Information

Program inherent requirements

Inherent requirements refer to the abilities, knowledge and skills you must demonstrate to:
achieve program learning outcomes
work effectively as part of a team in classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL) settings
perform effectively in classroom and WIL settings without undue risk to your own or others' health, safety and welfare.
Depending on your program of study, inherent requirements may include:
verbal and non-verbal communication skills
reading, writing and number skills
concentration, memory and problem solving
mental wellness and behavioural stability
vision, hearing, touch and smell
physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.
If you have any injury, illness, disability, impairment, condition or incapacity that may affect your ability to perform the inherent requirements of your program of study, we encourage you to discuss this with the Program manager to enable RMIT University to identify whether there are any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform program requirements. RMIT University wants to place you in the best possible position to use your knowledge, skills and attributes effectively in your program of study.

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work submitted in hardcopy. For every piece of work submitted online you will complete an e-Declaration. The signed cover sheet or e-Declaration acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Examples of other information that could be included in this section are listed below. Please discuss with your Program Coordinator/Manager. Information needs to be consistent across the whole program.

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Applying for Special Consideration

If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Assessment Appeals

If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:

a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).

Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.

If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion

Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

Examples of plagiarism include:

Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93

Plagiarism Software

The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Complaints Procedure:

RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.

Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.

Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy

Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22

Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

Working with Children Check – This course requires a Working with Children Check

Police Check – This course requires a satisfactory police check

Course Overview: Access Course Overview