A policy should be based on information from a variety of sources, including the individuals who will have to apply the policy or be affected by it. Consultation should not only provide all stakeholders at all levels of the organization with the opportunity to express their viewpoint, but also, more importantly, be conducted in a way that gives individuals and groups a sense of identification with and ownership of the policy. Consultation is an ongoing process that needs to begin at the very beginning of the process, i.e. problem definition stage. D. Formulating The Policy A policy should be clearly stated and presented in a way that makes it easiest to apply. If terms are used in a specific context, how they should be interpreted.
Application Identify to whom and under what circumstances the policy applies.
Policy State the major principles of the policy. Roles and responsibilities Identify who is responsible for implementing the various aspects of the policy and what the limitations and conditions are of this authority. Conclusion Identify where and how additional information on the policy can be obtained and who should be consulted for assistance in its interpretation. If the policy is long and complex, it may be useful to include an index or table of contents. Once the policy has been finalized, it must be communicated and publicized to ensure that all affected parties are aware of its implementation.