STAGES IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT!

The following steps summarise the key stages involved in developing policies:

1. Identify need

Policies can be developed:

• In anticipation of need (e.g. probation policies should be in place once an organisation starts to recruiting staff); and

• In response to need (e.g. a policy on a government strategy may be developed once proposals are published).

The organisation needs to constantly assess its activities, responsibilities and the external environment in order to identify the need for policies and procedures.

2. Identify who will take lead responsibility

Delegate responsibility to an individual, working group, sub-committee or staff members, according to the expertise required.

3. Gather information

Do you have any legal responsibilities in this area? Is your understanding accurate and up to date? Have other organisations tackled the same issue? Are there existing templates or examples that you could draw on? Where will you go for guidance?

4. Draft policy

Ensure that the wording and length or complexity of the policy are appropriate to those who will be expected to implement it.

5. Consult with appropriate stakeholders

Policies are most effective if those affected are consulted are supportive and have the opportunity to consider and discuss the potential implications of the policy. Depending on whether you are developing internal or external policies, you may wish to consult, for example:

• Supporters;

• Staff and volunteers;

• Management Committee members; and

• Service users or beneficiaries.

6. Finalise / approve policy

Who will approve the policy? Is this a strategic issue that should be approved by the Management Committee or is the Committee confident that this can be dealt with effectively by staff? Bear in mind that, ultimately, the Management Committee is responsible for all policies and procedures within the organisation.

7. Consider whether procedures are required

Procedures are more likely to be required to support internal policies. Consider whether there is a need for clear guidance regarding how the policy will be implemented and by whom. (e.g. a policy regarding receiving complaints will require a set of procedures detailing how complaints will be handled). Who will be responsible for developing these procedures? When will this be done? What will be the processes for consultation, approval and implementation?

8. Implement

How will the policy be communicated and to whom? Is training required (for internal policies)? Should the organisation produce a press release (for external policies)?

9. Monitor, review, revise

What monitoring and reporting systems are in place to ensure that the policy is implemented and to assess usage and responses? On what basis and when will the policy be reviewed and revised (if necessary)?