FW: Good Policies for Policies

wholx

Good Policies for Policies

Overview: You should never write a policy or law you cannot (or will not)
enforce. This was taught in Management 101. Policies should guide action
and behavior to create safe, consistent, empowering outcomes. The sign in a
parking lot next to my office epitomizes poor policy making.

After a call for input from local and national networks, these were the
guidelines for creating a policy:

1. Policies should use a consistent format (layout) that will help to
focus the eye, direct the reader, pinpoint needed information and enhance
understanding.
2. Policies tend to include the following components

a. The "Purpose" section which specifies why
b. "Time Frame" which specifies how long the policy will remain in
effect
c. "Documents Rescinded" which identifies whether the new policy
replaces an earlier version and which if any documents would be rescinded as
a result
d. "Scope" which clarifies the audience- who's included, who's
excluded, any special circumstances when the policy applies
e. "Responsibility" defines those individuals who will be responsible
and accountable for enforcing and maintaining the policy
f. The "Definitions" section spells out the meaning of any unfamiliar
terms
g. The "Policy" section itself delineates the precise stand the
organization is taking toward a given issue
h. The "Cross-references" section bring to light any other sources that
should be considered when examining this subject

3. Policies should match reality: relevant, revisited and refreshed
4. Policies should be clear and concise to their user
5. Policies instructionally integrated into the workplace or workflow
(visual control) are more apt to be followed.
6. Policies that can't or won't be enforced (like photo above) do more
harm than good
7. Policies should include metrics to measure compliance and the
process/frequency of measurement
8. Policies should include its review/refresh cycle (annually,
biannually)
9. Policies should be accompanied by a communication plan