This Guide focuses on the development of policies. It is common, however, for agencies initiating this process for the first time to lump polices and procedures together. The important thing is to capture your decisions and practices in writing rather than worrying about the terminology of policies versus procedures. To start, aim for the more general policy statements, as illustrated throughout this Guide. Then, over time, as your board develops comfort and expertise in managing these policies, you will refine your policies and procedures. Remember, policy is dynamic, not cast in stone!

There are, generally, four types of policy (including rules.) This Guide has a section on each type, as outlined in the Table of Contents.

1. Organizational policies are concerned with the framework that governs the overall work of the organization. These set the limits and guide further activities and decisions.
2. Administrative policies determine the day-to-day delivery of services and programs. These outline how the agency functions.
3. Operational policies set the allocation of human, physical, and financial resources for the main activities. They are also the guidelines for making decisions.
4. Rules are to govern the conduct of people and everyday activities in the agency. (Note that these are not yet contained in this Guide but will be included on Phase Two.)

While these distinctions may not seem important initially, they may help to provide a standard system of categorizing your policies and procedures. Use of these four policy types is ideally suited to boards that operate with a Working/Administrative or even Collective models of governance. (Further information on board models is included in Section Two.) We use these terms as a common frame of reference.Your agency will decide what is most appropriate to its unique needs and purposes.