Mastering the Action Plan
Getting back on track when things don't go as planned
So, an Evidence Template didn't quite pass the test? No worries—that’s exactly what the Management Action Plan is for. This tool helps you document exactly what went wrong and, more importantly, how you're going to fix it.
Here is how to navigate the three stages of the plan:
Plan Assignment: Who and When?
First things first, you need to designate a leader for this recovery mission.
Choose a Plan Author: In the Plan author field, select someone qualified to write the remediation plan. This is usually the manager responsible for the specific policy or procedure in question.
Set a Deadline: Use the Write Plan By date picker to set a due date. This is just for getting the plan written, not for fixing the whole problem yet.
Explain the Issue: In the text editor at the bottom, provide a narrative explaining why the failure happened. Be as detailed as possible so your assigned author has everything they need to write a solid plan.
Plan Submission: Mapping the Solution
Once the author takes over, it's time to strategize.
Set a Resolution Date: Pick a Complete Plan By date. Be realistic here—complex issues might take weeks or months to fully resolve.
Write the Plan: Detail the exact steps needed to bring the item back into compliance.
Plan Completion: Closing the Loop
The work is done—now tell us how it went.
The Follow-Through: In this final step, explain how the plan was actually executed.
Note Exceptions: Did you have to deviate from the original plan? Make sure to record those details here so the final evaluation is accurate.