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DECISION MAKING FRAMEWORK

Purpose of This Section

The Decision Making Framework defines how decisions are made within the NWAF™ Governance System. It ensures that all decisions are:

  • transparent

  • consistent

  • evidence‑based

  • accessible

  • legally aligned

  • approved by the correct governance roles

This framework protects the integrity of NWAF™ and ensures decisions support users, organisations and the Founder’s strategic intent.

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1. Decision Making Principles

1.1 Transparency

Decisions must be clear, documented and traceable.

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1.2 Evidence‑Based

Decisions must be informed by data, feedback, legal requirements and governance standards.

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1.3 Accessibility

Decision processes must be accessible to all users, including disabled people and those using assistive technologies.

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1.4 Consistency

The same decision‑making method must be applied across all governance areas.

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1.5 Legal Alignment

Decisions must comply with legislation, regulatory expectations and tribunal standards.

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1.6 Founder Authority

Major or strategic decisions require Founder approval.

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2. Types of Decisions

NWAF™ recognises three levels of decision making:

2.1 Operational Decisions

Day‑to‑day decisions that keep governance content and systems running. Examples:

  • minor content corrections

  • metadata updates

  • accessibility fixes

Approved by: Content Lead / Accessibility Lead / Technical Lead

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2.2 Governance Decisions

Decisions that affect processes, standards or multiple governance sections. Examples:

  • updates to governance processes

  • structural adjustments

  • new templates or tools

Approved by: Oversight + relevant Leads

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2.3 Strategic Decisions

High‑impact decisions that affect the direction, structure or legal alignment of NWAF™. Examples:

  • new governance sections

  • major structural redesigns

  • legal or compliance changes

  • system‑wide updates

Approved by: Founder

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3. Decision Making Process

All decisions must follow this structured process:

  1. Identify the need for a decision

  2. Gather evidence and data

  3. Assess legal, accessibility and governance impact

  4. Consult relevant Leads

  5. Document options and recommendations

  6. Submit to Oversight or Founder (depending on level)

  7. Approve the decision

  8. Implement the decision

  9. Test accessibility and stability

  10. Record in version control

  11. Communicate the decision to users

This ensures decisions are controlled, traceable and compliant.

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4. Decision Documentation

All decisions must be documented and include:

  • decision summary

  • rationale

  • evidence used

  • legal and accessibility considerations

  • roles consulted

  • approval record

  • implementation actions

  • version control entry

Documentation ensures transparency and audit readiness.

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5. Roles & Responsibilities

5.1 Founder

  • Approves strategic decisions

  • Sets decision‑making standards

  • Ensures alignment with NWAF™ vision

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5.2 Oversight

  • Reviews governance‑level decisions

  • Ensures compliance and risk management

  • Coordinates decision cycles

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5.3 Leads

  • Provide expert input

  • Assess impact within their domain

  • Support implementation

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5.4 Organisations

  • Apply decisions correctly

  • Update internal processes

  • Support users during transitions

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5.5 Users

  • Follow updated guidance

  • Provide feedback

  • Report issues or concerns

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6. Why the Decision Making Framework Matters

The Decision Making Framework:

  • ensures decisions are fair and transparent

  • protects users and organisations

  • supports legal and accessibility compliance

  • strengthens governance maturity

  • prevents inconsistent or ad‑hoc decisions

  • maintains Founder‑led authority

  • ensures NWAF™ remains a national‑grade governance system

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Version Information

  • Version: 1.0

  • Status: Published

  • Approved by: Founder

  • Last Updated: 18 February 2026

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