Making Policies & Procedures Work

(One-day Workshop)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• All those who wish to update their current skill levels in manual writing.
• Anyone who wishes to learn to write effective policies & procedures documents

YOU WILL LEARN TO:

• Plan the entire manuals preparation process
• Identify the appropriate contents for the manual and organize it in an appropriate manner
• Write clear, concise policies and procedures
• Establish a program for keeping your manuals up to date

COURSE OUTLINE

Determining the Types of Manuals Your Organization Needs

• Differentiating between the various types of manuals
• Identifying primary and secondary users
• Evaluating alternatives for managing a system of interrelated manuals
• Deciding when to update an existing manual or when to create a new one

Planning the Process

• Identifying all the tasks necessary to prepare or update a manual
• Evaluating alternative approaches for writing the manual
• Developing a realistic project timetable

Deciding What Information to Include

• Determining the needs of the users
• Identifying key activities
• Establishing clear accountability for managing key activities
• Evaluating risks, consequences and impacts of activities

Preparing Policies & Procedures that Get Results

• Understanding the differences between policies and procedures
• Determining the appropriate level of detail to include
• Using “playscript” to simplify complex procedures
• Clarifying “if-then” situations through action-condition logic

Writing Clearly & Concisely

• Applying the 7 rules for clarity
• Choosing appropriate words & phrases
• Using parallel structure to convey ideas
• Understanding voice: active or passive voice
• Simplifying actions with well-written numbered/bulleted lists
• Making the manual an attractive reference tool

Using visual aids

• Using flowcharts to outline and illustrate complex procedures
• Communicating alternative policy or procedure options though decision tables
• Including forms and other illustrations in manuals

For information regarding this course, please contact:

Colin Watson
Relationship Manager
J Watson Associates Inc

Tel: 905 820-9909

E-mail: sales@jwatsonassociates.com