Policies

Policies are a set of guiding principles that are necessary to consult when making choices or coming to resolutions and can be a how-to guide in certain circumstances. They provide a background to, and a framework for decision making and rules, by which an organisation can refer to and adhere to provide information and transparency of the organisation’s procedures and contracts. Policies can be developed and/or revised. Once adopted, policies need to be adhered to as they are legally binding. 

We have all our policies in writing and available for attendees, members, coaches, directors and any other individuals who require them. They enable us to organise ourselves in a certain way, set expectations, achieve our objectives through clear directions and ensure that we are in compliance with legislation. Our policies are also a point of reference for members of the Bristol Co-operative Gym informing them of where they can seek further help. For example, our Privacy policy highlights who our appointed Data Protection Officer is and how they can be reached. 

Policies are written by members voluntarily by an individual or subgroup of members who are free to work on its content.

Once the need for a policy is identified, the policy is drafted using our guidelines and policy writing templates, a process which we have been guided through by the Co-operative Assistance Network (CAN). These policy drafts are then shared with the other members and voted on at our General and Annual General Meetings. The sharing of policies occurs before the meetings so members can read through them and raise any questions.  Existing policies can be reviewed and revised, if necessary, via the same process.