Sustainability Skills Stocktake and Gap Analysis ... - Service Skills

Service Skills Australia
SIFBGM006A Evaluate building and grounds maintenance and development needs
includes requirement to assess building and grounds development proposals to
determine sustainability of development; and knowledge of sustainability principles.
Sustainability gaps in the Funeral Training Package
Environmental sustainability is covered to some extent through individual units, especially
for those skills which directly impact on the environment. However there is a notable gap
in the implementation and development of workplace practices which incorporate
environmental considerations. In addition, it is not guaranteed under the current
packaging, that all qualification outcomes include sustainability skills.
SIFIND001A Work effectively in the funeral services industry is a core unit in all
qualifications which could be strengthened to improve this. The range statement refers to
information requirements which may include social and environmental issues and
requirements. However, apart from this there are no references to sustainability issues,
legislation or work practices. This unit could offer all qualifications coverage in
sustainability implications for the industry.
In addition, the three environmental sustainability units which are listed in most other
qualifications within Service Skills training packages, and cover implementation and
development of sustainable workplace practices, are only accessible through the
importation rule (allowing one unit in total per qualification).
Further coverage is also lacking in work conducted with clients, for example in providing
environmental information and / or more sustainable options. SIFCCS001A Provide
service to clients requires the identification of implications of options and solutions for
clients and workplace which include negative impact on business reputation, costs,
cultural implications, but does not include negative impact on environment.
Other units which could incorporate environmental considerations do not reference
sustainability or environmental issues at all.
This includes those concerned with leadership, for example:
SIFFNL008A Coordinate funeral operations
SIFMWK004A Coordinate mortuary operations
SIFMGT003A Supervise staff
and performance monitoring:
SIFGLC004A Monitor contracted services and supplies
SIFGLC003A Conduct internal quality audits
Furthermore, given the new interest in sustainability, higher level skills in examining the
industry impact as a whole, including looking at the role of land use and burial options,
and reduced maintenance requirements and costs, could also support improved
sustainability outcomes for the funeral services industry.
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