Swinburne Policy Framework
Hierarchy of documents
All Swinburne policy documents are part of a structured hierarchy that governs University activities. The Governance Framework sets out the regulatory hierarchy and processes that ensure appropriate content, authority and consistency. Policy documents are divided into three broad categories:
Policies, regulations and statutes are university-wide instruments governing all administrative, operational and academic functions of the University. They must comply with all relevant legislation and are approved by appropriate delegated authority.
Procedures, guidelines and manuals are instructional documents that set out processes but do not impose obligations. They must be consistent with the statutes, regulations and policies that sit above them. They are approved by the relevant Senior Manager.
Work instructions are detailed instructional documents that set out processes at a localised unit level. They are approved and managed within each Management Unit.
Definition of documents
Document
|
Scope
|
Description
|
---|---|---|
Policy | University-wide | Principle-based documents that give guidance to decision making and administration |
Procedure | May apply across departments | Specific "how to" document that sets out processes and actions |
Guideline | May apply across departments | Offers detail and context to assist staff in making decisions. It informs best practice in how a task might be undertaken. |
Manual | May apply across departments | A comprehensive operational document that may contain procedures and guidelines |
Work instruction | Local application only |
Specific task description for a localised audience or team, often in support of a procedure. |
Management of documents
Document
|
Accountability
|
Management
|
---|---|---|
Policy | Council |
|
Procedure, Guideline, Manual |
Senior Manager |
|
Work instruction |
Management Unit |
|