How to Write a One-Page Policy That Actually Gets Read

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

The Problem with Perfect Policies

Policies that live only on paper are like fences that look strong but have no gate — they keep people out instead of guiding them through.

Why Shorter Policies Build Stronger Cultures

People don’t ignore policies because they don’t care. They ignore them because they can’t find themselves in them. A one-page policy doesn’t mean a shallow one — it means one that respects your reader’s time, language, and purpose.

A well-designed one-pager can:
• Increase engagement and accountability.
• Reduce compliance errors caused by misunderstanding.
• Build trust between leadership and staff.
• Turn governance from a document exercise into a shared value.

Five Practical Steps to Write a Policy That Gets Read

1️⃣ Start with purpose — open with one line explaining why this exists and who it protects.
2️⃣ Use clear structure — short headings and lists so readers can scan, not search.
3️⃣ Replace legalese with plain English — compliance isn’t about sounding clever; it’s about being clear.
4️⃣ Add a real example — even one short scenario makes the rule come alive.
5️⃣ Pilot it — give the draft to a non-specialist. If they can’t explain it back in a sentence, it needs work.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Don’t shrink a bad policy into one page — rewrite it. The aim is clarity, not compression. Every word should earn its place.

Final Thought

A short policy isn’t less professional — it’s more humane. It tells your people, “We trust you enough to be clear.”

How Mediajem Compliance Can Help

At Mediajem Compliance, we help organisations transform their policy frameworks from paperwork into practical tools that people understand and follow.

Our Policy Simplification & Governance Framework Service includes:
• Reviewing and rewriting complex policies for clarity and compliance.
• Designing concise, visually structured templates for staff engagement.
• Providing workshops on 'Plain English in Governance.'
• Embedding policies within your GDPR and accountability frameworks.

If your policies are gathering dust instead of building trust, let’s fix that.

+Contact us today for a free 20-minute consultation to see how your documents can work for your people — not just your auditors.