Policy Development and Review Policy
1. Purpose
This policy outlines principles for developing, maintaining and reviewing the Institution’s policies and associated instruments (such as procedures, guidelines and any other supporting documents). The aim is to ensure consistency and quality in the Institutions’ its activities, align with strategic goals, comply with legislative requirements, promote operational effectiveness, and support the sustainability of the Institution’s business model. This policy should be read in conjunction with the Policy Development and Review Procedures.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff involved in the development and review of policies and procedures.
3. Definitions
See Glossary of Terms.
4. Policy statements
4.1 The Institution has developed a comprehensive suite of policies as part of its Quality Assurance Framework to ensure effective governance of its academic and non-academic operations. These policies are supported by various procedures, guidelines, forms, templates and systems to ensure that policy decisions are effectively implemented across the Institution.
4.2 The Institution maintains a well-organised policy framework for the development, management and review of the Institution’s policies and associated instruments to ensure a standardised and consistent approach to policy management across the Institution.
4.3 Policies and associated instruments are easily accessible and readily understood by all staff and students.
4.4 Policies and associated instruments align with:
a. the Institution’s strategic objectives and business model;
b. legislation;
c. approved delegations of authority;
d. other policies and associated instruments; and
e. community expectations.
4.5 The Institution is committed to ensuring its policies and associated instruments promote operational efficiency, reduce risks and align with the Delegations of Authority.
4.6 All policies and associated instruments are:
a. written in plain English and, and stated in positive, active language (for example honesty rather than dishonesty);
b. developed using the appropriate template;
c. developed or reviewed in consultation with identified stakeholders, including students;
d. approved by the appropriate approval authority;
e. stored and accessed via the Institution’s website;
f. applied consistently across all campuses and departments; and
g. reviewed and updated at least every four years from the approval date or more frequently as required.
5. Policies
5.1 Policies are high level strategic directives that establish principles to drive decision making. They stipulate a clear purpose, measurable objectives, roles and responsibilities, and criteria for assessing effectiveness and efficiency.
5.2 Policies are mandatory and applied Institution-wide.
5.3 Policies are implemented through other instruments, such as procedures or guidelines which provide instructions and set out processes for implementing a policy. While some policies can stand alone, most will be accompanied by these associated documents.
5.4 A policy is approved by the Board of Directors or Academic Board only.
6. Procedures
6.1 Procedures explain how to implement a particular policy. They prescribe the actions, processes and the operational steps needed to implement a policy.
6.2 Procedures apply Institution-wide but may be subject to necessary or relevant campus or departmental variations.
6.3 Procedures must be approved by the delegated approval authority.
7. Guidelines
7.1 Guidelines provide advice on best practice and include additional details or further context related to the policy and procedures. The development of a guideline document is not compulsory, nor is approval normally required through governance. Where guidelines exist, the advice must be appropriate to the specific context and aligned with the policy and procedure.
8. Supporting documents
8.1 Supporting documents such as forms or templates may be developed in conjunction with policies, procedures or guidelines as required. These documents are updated immediately after the review of the associated policy, procedure or guidelines.
9. Roles and responsibilities
9.1 The Board of Directors is responsible for approving the policy framework, annual policy review schedule and non-academic policies.
9.2 The Academic Board is responsible for approving academic policies.
9.3 The Course and Subject Committee and Learning and Teaching Committee are responsible for approving academic procedures.
9.4 The Executive Management Group ensures that policies are implemented, disseminated and systematically reviewed in accordance with the Institution’s policy review cycle. In addition, EMG has authority to approve operational procedures and rules that support the implementation of policies.
9.5 The Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office (QAA) is responsible for:
- implementing the policy framework and policy review schedule;
- maintaining the policy library;
- providing guidance to responsible officers (or policy owners) during the policy development, review and approval phases;
- undertaking quality assurance checks for consistency and compliance; and
- reviewing and amending this policy (and related procedures) and developing guidelines and tools.
9.6 All policies are assigned to a specific responsible officer (or policy owner). They are responsible for overseeing policy implementation with the relevant stakeholders. Responsible officers are also responsible for the development and review of particular policies in consultation with the QAA Office as required.
10. Related and documents
Policy Development and Review Procedures
Policy template
Procedures template
Approved by Board of Directors on 10 June 2025