A policy is a documented, formal course of action that everyone must follow to ensure people are not harmed through the work that is being carried out. 

Legislation establishes the general ‘laws of the land’. Policies provide specific ways in which those laws are interpreted and applied. 

Policies must comply with the law but will also outline: 

1. The roles and responsibilities of different people within the organisation regarding medication support and administration.
2. The necessary training and competence level required to undertake medication support and administration.
3. Authorised and prohibited procedures.
4. Action to take in case of error or in unexpected circumstances.
5. Local procedures regarding receipt, storage and disposal of medication.
6. The necessary recording and reporting.

Your employer will have its own policies and procedures in relation to medication and you must make sure you follow these to comply with the law and to keep everyone safe from harm.

A procedure is the way in which a task must be completed or carried out. 

Whenever you are dealing with medication you need to be aware of the main points in the procedures and agreed ways of working. 

These should include: 

Ways of working describe how you do things on a day to day basis.

Agreed ways of working include policies and procedures that explain what employers expect of their workers. There will be some overlap with policies, procedures and agreed ways of working. Some procedures might not be documented but it has been agreed this is what you do. The more information that is documented, the easier it is for you to follow and reduce the likelihood of mistakes.