Certificate in Policy Development & Implementation

Policy is the link between organizational intent and behaviour. It is reflected in what organizations actually do, and in what they do not do, regardless of what they may have written in their formal policy documents.

When it is intentional, well designed, clearly articulated, fully implemented and managed, policy provides focus, direction and consistency. It clarifies intent and enables organizations to manage and meet internal and external expectations; it enables leaders to empower and provide guidance to their people. It enables them to monitor, oversee and manage for results.

However, many organizations struggle with what policy is, with when and how it is most effectively developed and implemented, and with how to articulate it at levels and in ways that are relevant and operational. Too often policy leaders and developers misjudge the level of effort required to inform and make good policy decisions or to communicate and implement those decisions fully and in ways that will enable and promote (or encourage) intended results.

The Certificate in Policy Development & Implementation provides practitioners with the understanding, skills and tools they can use to improve policy development and implementation in their organizations. They will be introduced to process and strategies by experienced policy practitioners to enable them to lead, manage, support, and influence the policy process to ensure both equity and effectiveness.

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Certificate Requirements

The Developing Policy that Performs course provides the foundation on which each of the remaining courses are built. Participants are strongly encouraged to complete it before taking any of the three remaining courses in the certificate. Seminars can be taken individually.

 

Required Seminars

Developing Policy that Performs - Introduction and overview to effective policy and decision making.

• February 24 - 26, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• March 3 - 5, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• June 9 - 11, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time)

Implementing Policy and Managing Change  - Implementation strategies and how best to communicate.

• January 13 - 15, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• March 24- 26, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• April 14-16, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only

Writing Effective Policies and Procedures - The language of policy and writing for clarity. 

• January 27 - 29, 2025 (Online, 1pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• April 7 - 9, 2025 (Online, 1pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• May 5 - 7, 2025 (Online, 1pm - 5pm Atlantic time)

Policy Evaluation - How is the policy working? Do people understand it? Are there compliance concerns?

• February 10 - 11, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• May 12 - 13, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only
• June 23 - 24, 2025 (Online, 12pm - 5pm Atlantic time) FULL-waitlist only