Strong policies help organisations to stay on track, ensuring they meet legal requirements and achieve their goals. Ideal for anyone looking to influence policy decisions, this course will help you make a meaningful impact in any industry.
The Certificate of Policy Development is a professional development course that equips you with the skills to assess existing policies, identify areas for improvement, and develop practical, well-structured policies.
In this policy development course, you’ll explore research methods, consultation strategies, and planning tools like Gantt and PERT charts to support effective policy development. You’ll also learn to comply with current laws, industry standards, and organisational needs.
You will learn to structure policies, address challenges, secure approvals, and effectively communicate changes. You will explore policy implementation, resource planning, evaluation methods, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), risk assessments, and feasibility studies.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to gather evidence, analyse data, and use research to make informed policy decisions.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Contribute to the review and development of policies
- Assess organisation policies
- Evaluate impact of policy context
- Good policy features
- Bad policy features
- Relevance of current policies
- Policy changes
- Plan consultation methods
- Gantt and PERT charts
- Research tools
- Consultation strategies
- Research methods
- Impact of policy changes
- Trialling a policy
- Collate and analyse findings
- Methods of data analysis
- Quality outcomes
- Drafting and presenting report
- Justification of proposals
Unit 2 - Develop and implement policy
- Policy initiatives
- Policy currency and relevance
- Aim and purpose of policy
- Outdated or irrelevant policies
- Policies based on legislation
- Current policy trends
- Policy objectives
- Policy issues and resolution
- Collate information
- Policy structure
- Policy requirements
- Writing policies
- Resource implementations
- Consultation with staff
- Policy proposals
- Prepare policy materials
- Gain policy approval
- Implementation plan
- Promotion and dissemination
- Policy evaluation
- Communicate policy changes
Unit 3 - Research and apply evidence to practice
- Research to support own work practice
- The need for change
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
- Key elements and benefits of CQI
- CQI goals, steps and process
- The need for research
- Accreditation and validation
- Compliance and professional development
- Evidence-based practice (EBP)
- Evaluate current trends
- Define research objectives
- The process
- PICO approach
- Creditable sources of data and evidence
- Categories and definitions
- Methods of gathering information
- Creditability, availability and cost
- Interviews and focus groups
- Policy, procedures and training manuals
- Gather information systematically
- Steps of the RBP process
- Randomised controlled trial (RCT)
- Hierarchy of evidence
- Facilitate analysis
- Collation of data and information
- The information cycle diagram
- Prioritise information
- Assessing information
- The findings – compare and contrast
- Key recommendations for practice
- Strength of information
- Currency of information
- Risk matrix
- Feasibility study
- Final document / presentation
- Using different aspects of information
- Development of appropriate conclusions
- Identify areas for change
- Issues that require further research
- Outcomes based practice
- Audits and action plans
- Monitoring change
Study Hours
Estimated duration 45 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
This one was really interesting and really made me think about my answers and how I was going to complete them. I learnt a lot from this course on top of my pre-existing knowledge working within HR for the past 10+ years.
Michelle | Craigie, WA | Certificate of Policy Development
I found it very informative. I accessed learning through a range of options, that satisfied my overall learning experience. I’m glad to have chosen Australian Online Courses, and I am so proud to have passed my exams.
Noah | Nundah, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
Very well structured and met the expectations I had about the course. The support was always available, and although I never needed to use it, I was reassured that I had support if I needed it. Am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you. The opportunity came at the perfect time and am glad I took it.
Beth | Albany Creek, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
The ability to study when I could was great, worked in with my life. Topics were easy to follow.
Brigitte, Kangaroo Flat, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
Well guided through and easy to follow directions.
Carla | Manjimup, WA | Certificate of Policy Development
It was a pleasant and easy experience.
Veronica | Craigieburn, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
Content was easy to understand and assessment were easy to complete.
Monica | Newstead, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
It has been supportive and informative, I am enrolling in my next course with AOC now. Thank you
Meagan | Horningsea Park, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
Overall satisfied with course experience. Provides a good overview of policy work.
Gisele, Yukon Canada | Certificate of Policy Development.
Whilst I found some questions difficult to answer, perseverance enabled completion. Any concerns I had were answered quickly and assisted in completing the relevant question or replying to any concerns. Guidance material was clear and understanding majority of the time with some clarification/guidance needed from support. I feel this course would be ideal to enhance career goals or as a refresher course and would not hesitate to recommend Australian Online Courses as a go to learning organisation
P. Holt, Melton West, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
I found studying with Australian Online Courses to be a very accommodating studying method in regards to being able to study at my own pace; as well as gaining informative learning materials that is easy to understand, and the unit information presented is engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed studying this course.
Jessica | Boddington, WA| Certificate of Policy Development
Really enjoyable, very good and clear feedback from Tutors. Course material was interesting and well presented. I used the printed material option, it would have added to the experience if this was in colour, like the online learning material.
S. Riley, Kingston, ACT | Certificate of Policy Development
I found the course helpful and holistic. The examples were practical.
A.Mason, Beecroft, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
It was very detailed and relevant
M. Graczol, Cobbitty, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
The online assistance was prompt and the course material was easy to navigate.
Cristine | Nowra, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
Platform is easy to use. Was happy with the course. Thank you.
Joseph | Greenway, ACT | Certificate of Policy Development
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Policy Officer/ Coordinator
- Policy Development Officer
- Policy Advisor
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