This is quite intriguing, can I persuade you to elaborate? I know you have certain company specific policies, for example, a drugs and alcohol policy, in addition to the nationwide industry rule book.
Rules : Pretty straightforward. They are a rather strict set of rules laid out and tend to be absolutes, especially on the Railway. Breaking them tends to have serious consequences.
Policies : Company specific and come in all flavours. The Drugs and Alcohol policy is a good example. Policies exist because rules tend not to be a one size fits all and often do not cater for every situation. Companies need policies to provide employees with more specific advice and guidelines on how to apply or adhere to the "rules" Policies also tend to work both ways. The company agrees to act within their policy at all times. This gives a fair approach for all. They will often state what the specific consequences are too. I would say that some policies are a bit more flexible. Not specifically allowed to be broken but a company can use them to have a more flexible approach. From the other thread.. The Rules state a Driver must wear a watch and my TOCs policy is that you can wear your own and can use a smart watch but it must be in airplane mode.
Procedures : A railway example would be coupling. We have a set procedure on how to couple each unit. Each step must be done in a set order to ensure that the units are coupled correctly. Not often broken and tbh the procedures are designed in such a way that if you deviate then you may cause an issue or it wouldn't be safe. Could they be broken.. Here's where you need to start using your head a little. Our coupling procedure has a list of items that much be checked in order to confirm the unit has been coupled correctly. Nowhere does it say which order you need to do that in and sometimes there are places where you can't check everything or follow the procedure by the letter. So you would need to make a decision on how to work safely and still achieve the same goal but still work within the rules. It's a difficult balance tbh. Some procedures are more flexible than others. If something went wrong, you really need to justify your actions. A "disiplinary procedure" is an example of one that would need to be strictly adhered to.
Standards : Come in many different flavours and would depend on what is being discussed. As a Driver I must meet a certain standard to maintain my competence. This is done by various assessment methods. There is a level I must achieve to keep my licence. "Standards" generally mean the level of quality expected. I used to do audits. You had to achieve a minimum 80% to pass. There is certainly going to be the more tangible "standards"; such as pass marks but you also have things like "uniform standards" I need to ensure that I come to work clean and tidy and meet the expected uniform standard. The railway also has "group standards" which is a whole different ballgame.
So I would say that they are all very intergrated and work alongside each other but very different in how each is applied, how flexible they are, and the consequences when they are not met.
Hope that helps.
