Policy and Procedure Template
A controlled starting point for drafting an organization-specific policy, procedure, roles, exceptions, evidence, and review.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Separate approved direction from operational steps.
- ✓Assign role-based authority, evidence, and review triggers.
- ✓Tailor and approve before adoption; a template is not an operating control.
Policy and Procedure Template
Purpose and distinction
A policy states an organization’s approved direction, principles, and mandatory expectations. A procedure explains repeatable steps used to implement that direction. Keep each document proportionate, controlled, and linked to an accountable governance process. This template does not supply policy decisions or create obligations by itself.
Drafting instructions
1. Define purpose, scope, effective date, and relationship to existing documents.
2. State requirements in clear, testable language; distinguish mandatory requirements from guidance.
3. Assign decision, implementation, exception, and review roles without naming individuals in the reusable template.
4. For a procedure, specify triggers, inputs, ordered steps, outputs, records, and escalation.
5. Route approval, publication, acknowledgement, and change control through existing organizational authority.
Blank document control
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Document ID / version | [identifier / version] |
| Purpose / objectives | [approved intent] |
Frequently asked questions
Can this template be adopted unchanged?
No. Tailor requirements and roles, route them through existing approval authority, and communicate the approved document.
Is a policy the same as a procedure?
No. A policy states direction and expectations; a procedure describes repeatable implementation steps.
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