• We have a system for generating policies and reviewing them regularly.
• We have a system to ensure that staff, volunteers and learners have read and understood our agency’s policies.
• Our policies comply with federal and provincial legislation.
• Our policies take into account the rules and conditions in the collective agreement (if appropriate for unionized workplaces).
• Our policies clearly indicate who they apply to.
• We have a clear logical process for writing policies.
• Our policies are always written in clear language.
• We have sought input from the relevant stakeholders in developing our policies.
• Our policies take into consideration all types of volunteers, learners and staff at all programs and sites within our agency.
• Our policies are consistent with our mission and philosophy.
• Our policies clearly indicate who they apply to.
• We have a system to monitor and ensure that policies are being applied/complied with.
• We have a process to amend our policies.

We need to:

Access idea! Some literacy agencies make a point to ensure that everyone has read and understood the relevant policies. A staff member or senior volunteer buddy or mentor can be assigned to explain and discuss the relevant policies to new staff, learners or volunteers in a private one-to-one setting.

For help in developing steps for how to write policy see also the ideas and template provided in Section One.