How to develop a formal ethical policy collaboratively and consultatively

1. Why have policies?

All types of organization need policies to guide the way work is done. Policy sets the rules, framework or standards for the operation of the organization. Some of the reasons for policies are:

• So people working in an organization can have a framework for actions that helps them get on with the job they need to do.

• So people in the organization do not have to keep reinventing the wheel – one deliberate decision can be applied to many similar cases – efficiency.

• So legal, funding agreements, the organization’s constitution and other requirements can be met.

• A tool in quality improvement

The policies are usually divided into various topics (e.g. workplace health and safety, harassment, ethics, financial management, training) and gathered into a Policy and Procedures Manual.

2. Words of wisdom.

‘Keep true, never be ashamed of doing right, decide on what you think is right and stick to it.’

– George Eliot

‘To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.’

– Confucius

3. Good policy.

According to Peter Ryan in ‘Cleaning up a dirty word – Policy’ (The Practising Administrator magazine), good policy identifies and articulates the values and the basic principles to be applied to specific needs in an organization… Effective policy sets direction, but it does not give directions. …