A SharePoint policy and procedure template is a document that provides guidance on how to use SharePoint in a consistent and effective manner. It includes information on topics such as:

- SharePoint governance
- Site creation and management
- Document management
- Collaboration tools
- Security and compliance
Having a well-defined SharePoint policy and procedure template can help organizations to:
- Improve SharePoint adoption and usage
- Reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents
- Ensure that SharePoint is used in a consistent and effective manner across the organization
There are many different SharePoint policy and procedure templates available online. Organizations can choose a template that meets their specific needs and requirements. It is important to note that SharePoint policy and procedure templates are not one-size-fits-all. Organizations should customize the template to fit their specific needs.
Benefits of Using a SharePoint Policy and Procedure Template
- Improved SharePoint adoption and usage
- Reduced risk of data breaches and security incidents
- Ensured consistent and effective use of SharePoint across the organization
Key Components of a SharePoint Policy and Procedure Template
A well-structured SharePoint policy and procedure template should contain the following key components:
1: Purpose and Scope
This section should clearly state the purpose of the template and its scope. It should also identify the target audience for the template.
2: Roles and Responsibilities
This section should define the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in managing and using SharePoint. It should also identify the process for escalating issues and concerns.
3: Governance
This section should outline the governance structure for SharePoint, including the roles and responsibilities of the SharePoint governance team. It should also define the process for making changes to the SharePoint environment.
4: Site Creation and Management
This section should provide guidance on how to create and manage SharePoint sites. It should also include information on site templates, site permissions, and site lifecycle management.
5: Document Management
This section should provide guidance on how to manage documents in SharePoint. It should also include information on document storage, document versioning, and document security.
6: Collaboration Tools
This section should provide guidance on how to use SharePoint collaboration tools, such as wikis, blogs, and discussion boards. It should also include information on how to set up and manage these tools.
7: Security and Compliance
This section should provide guidance on how to secure SharePoint and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. It should also include information on data protection, access control, and disaster recovery.
Summary
A comprehensive SharePoint policy and procedure template can help organizations to improve SharePoint adoption and usage, reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents, and ensure that SharePoint is used in a consistent and effective manner across the organization.
How to Create a SharePoint Policies and Procedure Template
A SharePoint policies and procedure template is a document that provides guidance on how to use SharePoint in a consistent and effective manner. It includes information on topics such as SharePoint governance, site creation and management, document management, collaboration tools, security, and compliance.
To create a SharePoint policies and procedure template, follow these steps:
1: Define the Purpose and Scope
Start by defining the purpose and scope of the template. What are the goals of the template? What topics will it cover?
2: Identify Roles and Responsibilities
Next, identify the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved in managing and using SharePoint. Who is responsible for creating and managing sites? Who is responsible for document management? Who is responsible for security?
3: Establish Governance
Establish a governance structure for SharePoint. This structure should include a SharePoint governance team responsible for making decisions about the SharePoint environment.
4: Define Site Creation and Management Policies
Define policies for creating and managing SharePoint sites. This includes policies on site templates, site permissions, and site lifecycle management.
5: Develop Document Management Policies
Develop policies for managing documents in SharePoint. This includes policies on document storage, document versioning, and document security.
6: Outline Collaboration Tool Usage
Outline how SharePoint collaboration tools, such as wikis, blogs, and discussion boards, should be used. This includes policies on setting up and managing these tools.
7: Address Security and Compliance
Address security and compliance requirements for SharePoint. This includes policies on data protection, access control, and disaster recovery.
Summary
Once you have completed these steps, you will have created a comprehensive SharePoint policies and procedure template that can help your organization to improve SharePoint adoption and usage, reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents, and ensure that SharePoint is used in a consistent and effective manner across the organization.
A well-crafted SharePoint policy and procedure template serves as a cornerstone for organizations seeking to harness the full potential of SharePoint. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, organizations can empower users, optimize SharePoint adoption, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment with business objectives. Effective SharePoint policies and procedure templates should encompass a comprehensive range of topics, including governance, site management, document management, collaboration, security, and compliance. Embracing a proactive approach to SharePoint policy and procedure development can drive organizational efficiency, enhance collaboration, and foster a secure and compliant SharePoint environment.
SharePoint policies and procedure templates are not merely documents; they are foundational elements that shape the success of SharePoint implementations. By investing in the development and implementation of a robust SharePoint policy and procedure template, organizations can unlock the true value of SharePoint and drive digital transformation initiatives forward.