Policy Framework Build
A foundations uplift that implemented clear, consistent policies and manager-ready tools—so leaders stop improvising and issues are handled earlier, more fairly, and with less risk.
At-a-glance
Service area: Foundations & Projects (Compliance & Contracts)
Client type: SME building HR foundations
Industry: Mixed / operational workforce
Engagement outcome: Policy suite implemented; templates and leader tools embedded; consistency improved across sites/teams
Confidentiality: Details anonymised and may be representative to protect privacy.
The situation
The business had grown, but its HR foundations had not kept pace. Policies were either missing, outdated, or inconsistent across locations and leaders. Managers were making judgement calls without a clear framework, which meant similar issues were handled differently depending on who was involved.
Leadership wanted a practical policy and tools suite that was easy to apply—without creating bureaucracy or documents no one used.
Risks we needed to manage
Inconsistent decision-making: similar issues producing different outcomes across managers/sites
Procedural gaps: informal handling creating fairness and defensibility risks
Manager capability: leaders improvising language and steps under pressure
Compliance exposure: lack of clear expectations, reporting pathways, and documented standards
Cultural drift: unclear boundaries leading to avoidable conflict and escalation
Low adoption risk: policies created “for the file” instead of day-to-day use
Our approach
Foundations diagnostic
Identified what policies and processes were essential for the workforce type and risk profile.Practical design principles
Built policies in plain English, aligned to real scenarios and manager decision points (not theoretical best practice).Manager-ready toolkits
Embedded scripts, templates, and checklists so managers could apply the policy consistently.Consistency and governance
Defined how the policies would be maintained, rolled out, and referenced—so they remain current and used.Implementation support
Provided guidance on adoption: what to communicate, how to introduce, and how to reinforce usage.
What we delivered
Policy suite (tailored to the business’s risk areas and workforce realities)
Process maps / “what happens when” guides for common issues
Manager scripts (early intervention conversations, expectations, follow-ups)
Templates (letters, meeting notes, action plans, record-keeping)
Checklists (conduct, performance, investigations triage, documentation standards)
Simple governance guidance (review cycle, ownership, version control)
The outcome
The business moved from ad hoc handling to consistent, documented practice. Managers had a clear framework for common issues and the tools to apply it without hesitation—reducing escalation and improving fairness.
The policy framework also strengthened defensibility by lifting record quality, clarifying expectations, and reducing variation between leaders and sites.
Key takeaway for SME leaders
Policies only reduce risk if managers use them. The most effective frameworks are the ones built around real decision points, with scripts and templates that make the “right” process the easiest process.
Need HR foundations that are practical, compliant, and manager-friendly?
Book a Free Intro Call and we’ll outline a foundations uplift that fits your business.