Creating Effective Policies and Procedures

Introduction

The procedural and policy framework governs all business operations. While the mechanics of drafting these documents are crucial, the significance of their content—Policies, Procedures, Specifications, or Standards—cannot be overstated.

This Policy and Procedure Writing Certification course will delve into the creation process, with a focus on key clauses, supplemented by practical examples. The course will also address drafting policies and procedures in areas prone to ambiguity, aiming to minimize errors and subsequent disputes.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Enhance awareness of effective policy and procedure implementation.
• Develop skills for drafting various types of documents.
• Improve document accuracy and clarity.
• Understand the potential risks associated with policies and procedures.
• Recognize the business implications of document drafting errors.
• Mitigate risks from poorly drafted documents.
• Comprehend the importance of policies and procedures in the business environment.
• Appreciate the roles and functions of different documents.
• Formulate general drafting principles.
• Avoid common drafting mistakes and improve writing skills.
• Adopt strategic perspectives in policy and procedure formulation.
• Familiarize with writing techniques.
• Identify and manage risks in document creation.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures
• Case Studies
• Focus Groups
• Peer Reviews
• Entertainment-Based Education
• Specialist Teaching
• Bird's Eye View Analysis
• Drafting Templates

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Policy & Procedure Writing

• Benefits of Quality Policies
• Formulating Quality Policies
• Writing Policies and Related Documents
• Document Formats
• Utilization of Supporting Documents

Unit 2: Governance and Roles in Policy

• The Role of Policies and Procedures
• Essential Inclusions
• Involvement of Stakeholders
• Review Process
• Qualification and Approval
• Publication Process

Unit 3: Policy & Procedures Implementation

• Analyzing Policies and Procedures
• Addressing Ambiguity
• ISO Standards
• Communication Strategies
• Ensuring Staff Compliance
• Maintenance Procedures

Unit 4: Policy & Procedure Drafting

• Drafting Guides
• Best Practices
• Tips for Effective Writing
• Commercial Considerations
• Writing Based on Reviewed Documents

Unit 5: Policy & Procedures Implementation

• Change Management Strategies
• Distinguishing Visual Clarity from Clutter
• Enhancing Information Accessibility
• Publication Technologies
• Typography Checklist
• Communication and Coordination of Changes

Unit 6: Evaluation

• Organizing Revision Control
• Assessing the Need for Policy Changes
• Preparing Revisions with Minimal Disruption
• Best Practices for Electronic Policies
• Case Studies on Policies and Procedures