If you want to be legally correct, but also to function seamlessly, you will need well-written and comprehensive governance policies.

However, writing all these policies is not an easy task, especially if you have all other sorts of things to get done on time. The policies need to be legally correct, to encompass every important aspect of a certain matter (you should find out what these are!) and to have no loopholes. In other words, it would be very hard to do it alone and you will have to spend a lot of time researching the matter before writing; you will probably need professional consultation as well. On the other hand, doing it on your own means that you will know the policies very well and you will be able to explain them and apply them more effectively when and where necessary.

If, however, you are not up for such a challenge, you can find some help. There are lots of free examples online and you can also check out the policies of other organisations in your field for reference and ideas. Of course, you could also find someone who will write the policies for you for a certain fee, or you could buy them already written. A good place to do that is Governance Matters – they offer a great set of NFP policies and documentation that you can use directly or change to fit your organisation. There are 29 policies in total, one of which you can get for free and see for yourself if it is what you need for your business.

Governance policies are something essential for your business or organisation. If you want stability, control and solid ‘canon’ to base your activities on, you’d better start the New Year by writing/obtaining a handful of relevant policies and presenting them to everyone. They are bound to make a difference, just wait and see!