A Simple Document Register

Purpose Framework | Operations | Framework

Starter resource. Adapt before use. Informational only; not legal, accounting, HR, or other professional advice.

Copy the fields below into a spreadsheet or shared tool. Start with a small set of important policies and operating procedures. The register points people to documents; it should not hold private disclosure or personnel information.

Use one row per document

- Document title and unique reference.

- Category or team responsible.

- Named owner and backup contact.

- Working version and its location.

- Approved version, decision date, and approval record location.

- Published version and the link readers should use.

- Next review date and status.

- Access group and sensitivity level.

Keep versions distinct

A working draft, an approved version, and a published version may be different documents. Record each deliberately. Never replace a published link with an unapproved draft just because it is newer.

Make maintenance someone's job

Assign an owner to review the register regularly, check broken links, and follow up on due reviews. Store underlying documents in an appropriate system with access controls and version history.

https://purposeframework.org/resources/document-register