| Risk Management Policies & Procedures |
Maine 4-H Program |
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
This document makes a distinction between "policies", "procedures" and "guidelines" by putting them in separate sections. For the purposes of this manual:
Policies are firm practices that must be followed by Maine 4-H members, volunteers and staff. Policies tell people what to do.
Procedures are descriptions of how policies and guidelines are implemented. Procedures tell people how to do what they must do.
Guidelines are helpful suggestions of behavior. Discretion is left to the 4-H Staff and volunteer on how they follow the appropriate guidelines given individual circumstances.
Benefits of written policies and procedures:
Provide a structure for a safe, healthy and productive program.
Establish and communicate a standard of behavior, boundaries, and a common body of knowledge.
Communicate values, beliefs, and direction.
Serve as a valuable orientation and training tool.
Help ensure consistency and uniformity.
Support important and necessary requirements.
Provide a structure for sound management.