Standards Template

How to use this template

  • To see this template in use please refer to the wide range of example documents on the register. A good example is the System Access Management Standard
  • Standards are mandatory and apply to a specific group of people or technology
  • Standards may be combined with a policy or guidelines document where both documents are short and it makes sense to do so
  • Aim to maximise the benefits of standards being uploaded as webpages by using hyperlinks to provide useful information and using language which users are likely to search for
  • Ensure that the statements in the standard do not contradict or repeat content in any other policy documents
  • A word version of this template is available for download at the bottom of this page

Application

Who does this standard apply to? Specific staff/students/all members of the University?
 

Purpose

A brief (preferably one sentence) statement to clarify the reason for this document. Contains reference to any other directly related documents such as the policy which the standard support and/or associated guidelines

Background

This section is optional and not needed in most documents. It is only to be included where absolutely necessary to provide context for the standard. This section may contain a general brief statement about the area to provide background or brief non-mandatory statements of principle which would not be appropriate in the body of the standard.

Contents

This section is only used in longer documents to support user navigation

Standards

All mandatory points are to be numbered and contain only one procedural direction per item

2. Sub numbering is not to be used i.e. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

3. If sub clauses are to be included, bullet points are to be used

4. Plain language is to be used throughout the document

5. Use direct language such as ‘must’ and ‘are to’ to specify the expected behaviours

6. To avoid confusion for users only mandatory statements are to be made in the standards document – any non-mandatory statements or explanations can be placed in accompanying guidelines

7. If it is necessary to add brief notes within the document do so by commencing with 'Note' - and hyphenating the text

Note – this clarifies that it is not a mandatory item

8. Standards documents may state ‘who’ is responsible (by role) if this is preferred and if they are not already included in the related policy

9. If hyperlinks are to be included in standards, please provide necessary urls. Hyperlinks are to be incorporated into sentences i.e. not stating ‘click here’

10. If forms are referenced, ensure these are uploaded to Forms Register and provide urls for their location. This can be done by contacting the Staff Intranet Publisher for your department or division or by emailing intranet@auckland.ac.nz.

Note - only staff members are able to view Forms Register, if non-staff members will need to see/ use the form, please submit it to the PCO as a word document

11. Capital letters are only to be used in accordance with the Writing Guide

12. Include the name of the document and the date on which it was most recently edited in a footer

Note - If a flowchart or other diagrams are to be included, please talk to the Policy and Compliance Officer to discuss the best way of doing this

Definitions

The following definitions apply to this document:

  • Technical language or words with specific meaning in the context of the standard are given plain English definitions
  • The first time each defined term is used in the text it appears in bold type
  • Definitions are listed alphabetically
  • When writing definitions, make reference to other documents that may contain similar terms to assure that common definitions are used

Key relevant documents

Include the following: (in hierarchical order)

  • Legislation
  • Policies
  • Procedures and standards
  • Guidelines
  • Forms
  • Other useful resources

Where the same type of document appears they are listed alphabetically

Document management and control

Owner: Who is the document owned by (by role)
Note - owners must be level 2/2A or above on the University’s Organisational Structure
Content manager:
Who is the content manager (by role)
Approved by:
Who is the approval authority?
Note- this can be the owner for a standards document
Date approved:
When was the document approved?
Review date:
When will the document be reviewed?
Note – the default period is 5 years unless the owner requests a shorter period

Template