Operational Policies

Operational (non HR) Policies

Operational policies cover a range of areas, the main policies being those covering health and safety, quality and environmental management and sustainability. Below is a list of the operational policies you would expect to have.

Health, Safety, Welfare and Hygiene Policies

General information and procedures on health and safety including:

• Safety in using computers / computer monitors
• Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
• Fire safety and evacuation procedure
• Security
• Lifting heavy items
• First aid arrangements

Environmental and Sustainability Policy and Managment System

Information on the company’s commitment to promoting sound environmental practices, often referred to as the Environmental Management System (EMS) and how to promote sustainability and positive environmental practices within the workplace, plus guidance on legislation of relevance to the business. Environmental Management Systems are covered by the international standard ISO 14001.

Quality Policy, Standards and Processes

Information on the business quality policy, how quality standards are maintained and what the relevant processes and procedures are for the company. Quality standards are covered by the international standard ISO 9001.

Data Protection and Security

Information on Data Protection Law: the company’s responsibilities in relation to data protection law and how they are managed within the business.

Rule on use of company resources: information on the rules on use of company resources such as:

• email and internet
• vehicles
• telephones

Expenses and Benefits Rules

Expenses and benefits rules usually cover items such as when petty cash can be claimed and how to claim and record petty cash and details on other expenses and benefits that are allowable and how to claim and record them.

Fraud and Crime Protection

Policy on dealing with fraud and crime including information on how to make a protected disclosure if fraud is suspected.

Business Continuity and Recovery Policies and Plans

Information on arrangements for ensuring the business is able to recover from a major incident such as a flood, fire, system or IT failure etc. This is sometimes referred to as business contunity planning and may also include risk management.

You will also need a set of Human Resource (HR) Policies.