top of page

DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS

Purpose of This Section

The Documentation Standards section defines how all NWAF™ governance content, records, templates and materials must be created, maintained and stored. It ensures documentation is:

  • consistent

  • accessible

  • accurate

  • legally compliant

  • traceable

  • aligned with Founder‑approved governance rules

Strong documentation protects the integrity, usability and audit‑readiness of the NWAF™ Governance Framework.

​

1. Documentation Principles

1.1 Consistency

All documentation must follow the same structure, formatting and style rules.

​

1.2 Accuracy

Information must be correct, up‑to‑date and verified before publication.

​

1.3 Accessibility

All documents must meet WCAG 2.2 AA and be usable with assistive technologies.

​

1.4 Traceability

All documents must include version information and be stored in approved locations.

​

1.5 Legal Alignment

Documentation must reflect current legislation and regulatory expectations.

​

1.6 Founder Authority

Documentation standards are set and approved by the Founder.

​

2. Documentation Requirements

2.1 Structure Requirements

All governance documents must include:

  • clear title

  • purpose of the section

  • headings and subheadings

  • roles and responsibilities

  • processes

  • tools or templates (if applicable)

  • version information

This ensures clarity and predictability across all content.

​

2.2 Formatting Requirements

Documents must:

  • use consistent heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3)

  • follow NWAF™ spacing and layout rules

  • avoid unnecessary styling

  • use accessible tables and lists

  • avoid colour‑only meaning

  • maintain consistent tone and language

​​

2.3 Accessibility Requirements

Documents must:

  • meet WCAG 2.2 AA

  • include alt text for images

  • support screen readers

  • avoid scanned PDFs

  • use accessible templates

  • provide alternative formats where required

Accessibility is a legal and governance requirement.

​

2.4 Metadata Requirements

All documents must include:

  • page title

  • description

  • keywords

  • version number

  • last updated date

  • approval record

Metadata supports search, navigation and audit readiness.

​

3. Documentation Storage & Control

3.1 Approved Storage Locations

All documentation must be stored in:

  • the NWAF™ website CMS

  • the NWAF™ governance repository

  • approved organisational systems (where applicable)

Unapproved storage locations must not be used.

​

3.2 Version Control

All documents must:

  • include version information

  • record changes in the version log

  • follow the Change Management process

  • maintain a clear audit trail

Version control protects accuracy and traceability.

​

3.3 Document Retention

Documents must follow retention rules:

  • active documents: maintained and updated

  • archived documents: stored securely

  • outdated documents: removed or replaced

Retention must comply with legal and governance requirements.

​

4. Roles & Responsibilities

4.1 Founder

  • Approves documentation standards

  • Signs off major documentation changes

  • Ensures alignment with NWAF™ vision

​​

4.2 Content Lead

  • Ensures documentation meets structure and formatting rules

  • Reviews content accuracy

  • Supports updates and corrections

​​

4.3 Accessibility Lead

  • Ensures documentation meets accessibility requirements

  • Conducts accessibility checks

  • Supports accessible formatting

​​

4.4 Technical Lead

  • Ensures systems support documentation storage

  • Maintains CMS stability and access

​​

4.5 Oversight

  • Monitors documentation compliance

  • Reviews documentation during governance cycles

  • Escalates risks

​​

4.6 Organisations

  • Apply NWAF™ documentation standards

  • Maintain accurate internal records

  • Report documentation issues

​​

5. Why Documentation Standards Matter

Documentation Standards:

  • ensure clarity and consistency

  • support legal and accessibility compliance

  • protect users and organisations

  • strengthen governance maturity

  • maintain audit readiness

  • reinforce Founder‑led integrity

  • ensure NWAF™ remains a national‑grade governance system

Documentation is the backbone of a stable governance framework.

​

Version Information

  • Version: 1.0

  • Status: Published

  • Approved by: Founder

  • Last Updated: 18 February 2026

bottom of page