Most of use put off reviewing policies and find it a tough job. This summer I have been working on policies from 2 perspectives – starting my own policies which work for my business. Then I have been working on policies with a local authority making sure their policies are ready for the transition to Family Hubs. These policies must work for staff, parents and partner agencies. It has been an interesting process, and for both sets of policies there were some common criteria which it might be useful to think about when you next look at your organisations policies:
- Do they make sense? Sounds obvious but ask a new volunteer or member of staff to have a look. Are there lots of abbreviations?
- Are they very long? Let’s be honest, if they are very long they won’t get read! Can you cut down the wording or refer to information that the organisation holds elsewhere?
- Have you used plain English? Lots of advice on https://www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html
- Are you thinking about the different ways which people absorb information? I find many people who struggle with excessive words find it easier to have a process mapped out. A sample which I worked on for another organisation is shown below. The feedback has been very positive.
I could say lots more, but yesterday when I attended an excellent webinar run by the NSPCC I was reminded of one more thing. This was a safeguarding update and reminded us of the need for all policy to be based in law and guidance.
So have you checked your policies reflect the most relevant legislation for your work? This might include:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- The Care Act 2014
I could say more, but I hope this is a useful starting point.
If I can be of any more help please do contact me on jill@jillwebbtraining.co.uk