Posted By Neil Smith Hi All, Could someone please explain the difference between a Policy and a Procedure? I'm currently working for an organisation that has a few generic 'policies' such as an H&S Policy, work at height, lone working etc. I have been tasked with reviewing our current policies to update in line with current legislation and also identifying gaps and creating new polices and or procedures - A search on the net for help just seems to get confusing some call them polices some procedures!

Posted By Jay Joshi The term policy in context of health and safety is very much "misused" i.e used in different contexts. A "Health and Safety Policy Document has 3 parts, i.e a General Statement of Policy", the "Organisation Structure" to implement it and then the "Arrangements" i.e procedures/processes to implement the policy. Therefore, there is no need to have separate "policies" for individual health and safety topics as that should be covered by the "arrangements" part of the overall health and safety policy document.

Posted By Tabs Policy - *who* will do *what*, *when* Procedure - if you are the one, this is *what* you will do & and *how* You may well see the *what* in both documents.

Posted By Rod D Jay Someone after my own heart, you are spot on, but no doubt someone that has "Ascended" to a higher life form will disagree. Yours Aye, Rod D

Posted By Bill Parkinson We tend to use the following guidance in our organisation. Policy - sets out the strategy of what is trying to be achieved and the leads (together with their responsibilities) Procedure - operational document aimed at those undertaking the tasks/activities involved. Details what it is they are expected to do and where appropriate the documentation required Hope that helps Bill

Posted By Neil Smith That seems to have cleared things up - Thanks all