Policy lifecycle
Keep the decision with the document.
A policy has authors, reviewers, an effective version and an audience. A coherent lifecycle makes these relationships explicit.
Draft and review
Give contributors a defined role and keep comments connected to the relevant text. Distinguish a proposed change from approved wording.
Approve and publish
Set the review sequence, decision owners and effective date. Staff should be able to identify the current policy without piecing together an email chain.
Acknowledge and revisit
Record publication and acknowledgement separately. Review exceptions and upcoming review dates so a published document does not become an abandoned document.
Discussion outputs
- Version and decision history
- Approval responsibilities
- Publication and audience record
- Acknowledgement and review evidence
A clearer policy conversation