QueerCare uses a system of principles, policies, and protocols.
Principles are broad overarching documents that give the general shape of what work in a given area should look like. Each principle is a wide statement outlining assumptions, relevant evidence, moral and organisational guidance, etc.
For example, a principle for doing support work during the COVID-19 pandemic is, ‘It is essential that people feel able to, and are able to, reach out to community support organisations’.
Policies are based on principles. They broadly describe ways that principles should be put into action in a system of work.
For example, a policy for doing support work during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the above principle is, ‘Support should be provided without needing to have someone’s data shared with another organisation (such as a private company, political party, a council, the NHS or the police)’.
Protocols are how to implement policies, as clear, step-by-step instructions. There may be several different protocols based on one policy.
For example, a protocol based on the above policy from the above principle is ‘Data Protection for Local Groups Protocol.