About
Developing effective Standard Operating Procedures doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or feel like a box-ticking exercise. The Developing Standard Operating Procedures Guide is a practical, evidence-based resource designed to help organizations move beyond dusty binders and create SOPs that are actually used. Built from our combined experience as researchers and nonprofit executives, this guide walks you step-by-step through creating SOPs that reflect how your organization truly operates, not just what accreditation checklists require. • Designed for real organizations – especially nonprofits and mission-driven teams • Participatory approach – build buy-in by involving the people who actually do the work • Flexible formats – choose between text-based or flowchart SOPs depending on your team’s needs • Action-oriented tools – guided questions, practical examples, and customizable templates • Built for sustainability – learn how to operationalize, track, and regularly review SOPs By the end of this guide, you won’t just understand what SOPs are - you’ll have a clear, repeatable process for developing, updating, and embedding them into daily operations. If you’re ready to protect institutional knowledge, improve efficiency, and create SOPs your team actually uses, this guide is your starting point. The guide is organized into four parts: Part 1 – What is a standard operating procedure (SOP)? Part 2 – Finding the right SOP format for your team Part 3 – Participatory development: involving key stakeholders Part 4 – How to operationalize and track your SOPs Each section includes a mix of step-by-step guidance, guided questions and downloadable templates to help you apply the content directly to your organization.