Ask the Expert: Key Things To Look For In A Policy Reassessment

Key Things To Look For In A Policy Reassessment

By Amanda Wilson, CAFM^®, Director of Fleet Services, Indiana University

Policies are designed to strategically assist an organization in accomplishing its goals. It is important to regularly evaluate policies for effectiveness, relevance, and compliance. The place to begin any reassessment is to understand the reasoning behind the adoption of it. The full evaluation of a policy cannot be properly undertaken with a misunderstanding for why this policy exists.

Second, evaluate the results this policy is meant to achieve. What works in theory may not work well in practice. For example, if you implemented a policy that had a goal of
reducing accidents but after time you see no reductions, further investigation is needed. You may find that the policy hasn’t been communicated effectively or that it doesn’t address the actual problem behind the accidents occurring in your fleet. If compliance is an issue, identify the reasons and develop a plan to address those issues.

Keep in mind that policies may also be causing unnecessary obstructions. Too many policies can make productivity difficult and can cause inefficient use of time. If your policy is causing backlog and frustration with your employees or customers, a change may be necessary.

As fleet managers, we function in a quickly changing environment. Policies have to be reviewed frequently compared to the current operating context and future trends. Today’s necessary policies may be roadblocks to future opportunities. Likewise, policies adopted five years ago may be completely irrelevant today.

If after reassessment you find a policy change is needed, communicating that need for change to upper management is critical to enacting change. Be prepared to provide data to back up your recommendations. Comparing best practices and policies of other organizations similar to yours can be a valuable tool in convincing management that a change is needed. Build the business case and show the results you want to achieve by the change.

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