Why take this course?

Policies set out what should be done and why. Procedures explain how to do it. But too often, these documents are long, confusing, and overlooked. This course will show you how to write documents that help colleagues:

• Understand their responsibilities and priorities
• Feel confident and informed
• Make sound, consistent decisions.

You’ll work with real examples from your own workplace and leave with a strong start on your next document.

What you will learn

Understand the purpose

Learn how to develop a clear brief by asking key questions:

• What’s already in place and what needs to change?
• Who has useful insight?
• Who will be affected and who will use the document?

This step helps you identify the critical success factors for your policy or procedure.

Plan with the reader in mind

A well-planned document saves time and prevents confusion. You’ll explore:

• What information to include (and what to leave out)
• How to organise and structure your content
• Any legal, regulatory, or safety considerations
• How to refer to related documents clearly.

Tip: Sharing your plan early can help avoid unnecessary revisions later.

Write clearly and confidently

Learn a modern writing style that’s easy to understand and act on. You’ll discover how to:

• Use precise, familiar language
• Keep sentences short and direct
• Write in an active voice
• Explain technical or complex topics in plain English.

Use design to support understanding

Make your documents not just readable, but usable:

• Informative headings, simple icons, and bold text help highlight key messages
• Diagrams and checklists summarise processes clearly
• A consistent, uncluttered format keeps readers focused.

What you will take away

By the end of this course you’ll have:

• A clear understanding of what makes a good policy or procedure
• A working draft of a real document
• Practical tools and templates you can reuse.

Our approach

We draw on proven methodologies, including:

• Design Thinking –  a user-centred approach to problem-solving
• Appreciative Inquiry – a strengths-based method that builds on what already works

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for anyone who creates or reviews workplace policies and procedures –whether in HR, compliance, operations, or management.

Want to write policies people actually use?
Join us and start creating documents that deliver real value.

Caroline Bradley started out making community programmes for BBC local radio before working in press and communications for national charities for over 15 years. She’s a strong believer in straightforward communication and now specialises in training and advising organisations on how to explain who they are, what they do and why it matters. Caroline always delivers training that is informative, enjoyable and practical.

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected] Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable. If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance. Cancellations must be made in writing, and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.