Policy goals and objectives

Policies are a mechanism for controlling the behaviour of an organisation, by governing the behaviour of people who work within that organisation. Policies exist to ensure, in a given situation, that people will behave in a way that is predictable, advisable and in the best interests of the organisation and the person.

There should be a reason why a policy exists. A policy is not formulated unless it is thought to be necessary or to have a benefit. In other words the policy exists for a purpose and this may be often expressed in the form of an "underpinning principle".

For example, the underpinning principle for a Quality Service Policy might be to increase sales and profitability.

Policy	Example underpinning principle
Child Protection Policy	Increase the acceptability of the sport (and organsiation) by the Community
Coach Education and Accreditation Policy	Ensure standards of coaching meeting expectations of members/customers
Club Development Policy	Promote particiption growth
Quality Customer Service Policy	Increase satisfaction of members/customers and encourage membership renewal

In addition, policies also have "goals". These goals describe what is desired or what is to be achieved by implementing the policy.

For example, if you developed your own driving policy, what might be the underpinning principle? Perhaps the most important purpose of a driving policy is to preserve and protect of life. Goals for such a policy might be as follows:

Goal 1: Minimise the risk of injury and damage

Goal 2: Maintenance of good driving record

Goal 3: Reduce insurance premiums

Note: There may be other worthy goals not mentioned here.

When there is a need to write a policy where none existed before, a worthwhile and appropriate place start by determining the underpinning principle and formulating goals.