Workplace policies and protocols

Many workplaces have codes of conduct which workers must follow. Workers must also follow the organisation’s policies and procedures. Policies and procedures apply to every aspect of your work role, and to the responsibilities of your organisation and how it provides its services. Policies and protocols are based on legal requirements, such as legislation and service standards specific to the service sector and common law principles. They are formed according to ethical requirements and based on relevant codes of practice, service standards, practice standards or guidelines, and statements about the rights of people receiving services.

A policy explains how an organisation intends to deal with a particular activity or issue. A protocol (sometimes this term is used interchangeably with the word ‘procedure’) is a more specific description of what rules to follow and what steps to take. Following organisational policies, protocols and procedures is an essential part of ethical professional practice.