Policy development for your organisation

This page explains the function and scope of policy. You will understand how it is developed to achieve a positive benefit within your organisation. On the other hand, policy can also be developed to avoid a negative effect that you have identified. Policy is adopted by individuals, private groups or organisations, as well as by government.

We look at how a need for policy can be identified and show the various stages of development, implementation and evaluation that KDMC can provide.

The size of your organisation does not alone determine a need for clear policies. It is your business activities that do.

What is policy?

Policy is your 'plan of action'. It defines your intentions and sends a clear message of guidance to those responsible for achieving the results you want. Policy is also put in place to protect a company legally by ensuring compliance with law.

functional differences between policy and procedure Whilst policies are generally adopted by a governing force within a group or organisation, the procedure and protocol are usually developed separately.

Procedures can however form part of the policy document itself. These 'how' aspects to policy are developed with a more 'how can we achieve this' practical approach.

The clearer the policy is, the easier it will be to follow.

There are some policies that every business should consider putting in place. Templates available online can be a great place to start, but they must be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Identify a need for policy

Do you need a policy? Policies are determined by the needs of your organisation. Some examples of where policy is adopted are listed below. However there are no limits, as such.

Management of the organisation or business
Defining opinions and expectations
Human resources
Conduct
Financial controls
Internet, email and cellphone use
Confidentiality
Standards, requirements and service delivery

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Policy development

After you have identified a need for policy, your policy can be developed

There are some policies that every business should consider putting in place. There are many FREE templates available online. Templates can be a great place to start, but they must be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation.

Formulation of policy is a staged process that follows on from the issue identification. In larger scale examples, many interested parties are consulted to express their views on the outcomes that need to be achieved. The policy document itself is written in line with those goals, however must also undergo assessment of the impact they may have. By the very nature of seeking to influence behaviour or standards in some way, policies can often produce side effects. Advance consideration of these can benefit the effect and implementation of the policy.

When seeking to influence a wide group, a draft policy document can be circulated for consultation. Comment and opinion is encouraged and will be considered before the final policy document is produced.

BACK TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Policy implementation

Implementation varies widely. Those effected need to be able to view the policy and ask questions.

The procedures and protocols are not policy. They are worked out separately and look at the 'how we are going to achieve this' aspect of your policy intentions.