Do you have a written personnel policy? When was the last time you reviewed it or updated it?

Do you have a written internal control policy? When was the last time you reviewed it or updated it?

Is there a relationship between your personnel policy and your internal control policy?

Important points:

1. Each organization should have personnel and internal control policies, regardless of size.

2. These policies should be reviewed annually to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the organization and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

3. All staff should have access to the policies and as part of their hiring orientation have an opportunity to read the policies and be shown where a copy is available at all times for review. Having a copy available electronically is the most efficient means for dissemination and updating.

4. Trouble begins when employees are treated differently. By using the organization’s written policies to address personnel issues, it should reduce the exposure of the organization to lawsuits. Personnel policies should be living documents that are able to be molded to fit the organization. If indeed there are different classes of individuals, such as a 24/7 program vs. a Monday-Friday 9-5 program, then the policy should address the differences. The policies provide program specific rules for the employee to follow and the benefits that the organization will provide for those eligible.

The internal control policy makes it clear to all parties the procedures to follow. It outlines business operations and guidelines to be used by all employees in the performance of their duties. It further supplies those tools and expectations of the organization management team for oversite.