What is policy?
In general terms, a policy is a set of ideas, principles or plans that are proposed or adopted by organisations or individuals as a basis for making decisions or progressing a strategy.
Many policies are created by central, regional and local governments. In this case, policy differs from regulation in that it offers recommended or prescribed procedures, rather than legally stipulating or prohibiting certain actions.
A policy is often formalised in written form as a policy paper. This might include the following standard elements:
In terms of the built environment, planning policy is hugely influential in relation to how land can be developed. In England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) decides national planning policy and this is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Planning Policy Statements (PPS), are written statements published by the government to help explain the statutory provisions of planning policy. They give guidance to those involved in the operation of the planning system and explain the relationship between planning policies and other policies relating to development and land use.
Other types of policy related to construction include:
- Company policy: How a company operates, manages its business, positions itself within the industry, and so on.
- Economic policy: Includes interest rates, taxation levels, monetary and fiscal policy, budgets, and so on.
- Health and safety policy: Sets out how health and safety is managed within an organisation and demonstrates a commitment to the health and safety of staff and others.
- Housing policy: National and local government plans to provide sufficient levels of quality housing for its citizens.
- HR policy: How an organisation manages its employees.
- Privacy policy: How an organisation manages its data, records, accounts, and so on.
- Security policy: How an organisation manages and reviews its security.
- Sustainability policy: An organisation’s approach to sustainability – waste management, recycling, lowering emissions, sourcing, and so on.
- Training policy: How an organisation manages the education and training of its employees.
The term ‘policy’ can also refer to the form of contract that is exchanged in relation to insurance. These contracts are between the insurer and the insured, and are used to indemnify (protect) against some form of potential loss from specified perils.
Designing Buildings Wiki has a wide range of articles related to policy, see: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Policy
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.