A standard operating procedure, or SOP, is a set of step-by-step instructions put in black and white by an institution or an organization to help workers carry out routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve competence, quality output and consistency of performance, while reducing miss-communication and failure to comply with defined regulations.
These SOPs establish who is to carry out the procedure, what qualifications are required to perform the job, materials required to perform the job, and how the job will be carried out in detailed step-by-step instructions. Once written, these SOPs can save teachers and school administrator’s valuable time, as they can simply reference these SOPs without having to re-think about these procedures. These SOPs can also be a valuable reference and teaching tool for employees or researchers.
When to write an SOP?
- Routine procedures for student care, teaching method or facility maintenance.
- When the procedure will be used more than once.
- When standardized methods are needed to give consistent results.
- When there are multiple users or persons performing the said task.
When not to write an SOP?
- If the task will only be performed once.
- If the procedure is very specific to one student or one instance
Who writes an SOP?
An SOP is usually written by the person who routinely performs the work. This can be a manager, teacher, or a administrator who is most familiar with the procedures. The SOP can also be written by a team of people familiar with the work. Consultation with other educationists, collaborators, or other experts is strongly encouraged.
Some of the work areas where SOP can be written:
- Internal Controls
- Accounting
- Cash Management
- Purchase
- Facilities Including Administration of Work and Health and Safety
- Security
- Transportation, etc.
Authored By: Dr. Rosetta Williams
Dr. Williams is one of the top educationists in India with experience of over 28 years in managing and leading education institutions, new academic ventures, education policy formulation and change management across multiple locations in India and abroad.
For getting more details around writing SOP for your institution or for other Educational Consulting Services please get in touch with her at http://rosettawilliams.in/contact/.