Process Mapping and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Course Information

This course aims to empower you with the expertise to proficiently navigate process mapping and master the art of crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within regulated environments. Whether you're engaged in activities that demand process improvement, continual enhancement, or SOP creation, this course offers invaluable insights tailored to your needs.

It caters to individuals tasked with managing, documenting, and implementing processes and SOPs, irrespective of prior experience or skills. Our curriculum does not focus on specific software or approaches, focusing instead on fundamental principles and adaptable concepts applicable across diverse organisational landscapes.

Benefits include:

• Hands-on experience in mapping processes
• An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes
• An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text
• An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs.

This course is structured to encourage delegates to: 

• Discuss and develop ideas
• Develop a practical approach for creating process maps and writing SOPs
• Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively
• Discuss how process mapping for preparing SOPs can be applied to process improvement for SOPs.

Is this course for you?

The course is designed for all those with responsibility for managing, documenting and implementing processes and SOPs. It assumes no prior experience or skills. The course does not recommend any specific software or approach, but explores the principles and ideas that can be applied in any organisation.

What will you learn?

• Hands-on experience in mapping processes
• An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes
• An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text
• An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Create process maps and write clearer more concise SOPs
• Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively
• Understand how process mapping can be applied to process improvement and better SOPs.

Tutors

Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies):

Laura Brown

Director, Laura Brown Training and Development

David Butler

VP of Quality, Resolian

Programme

Please note timings may be subject to alteration.

Day 1

09:00

Welcome, Introductions and Course Objectives

Why Companies manage by process.

10:00

Exercise 1 - First Steps

Mechanisms for process mapping, levels at which it can be applied, and the roles and responsibilities of process owners.

10:30

Exercise 1 - Feedback

10:45

Break

11:00

Mapping Processes

The stages involved in mapping processes including how to construct a SIPOC chart.

11:45

Exercise 2 - Mapping A Process

A first opportunity to practice your new process mapping skills.

12:30

Exercise 2 - Feedback

13:00

Lunch

14:00

Exercise 3 - Discussion of Options for Format, Structure and Layout

What Makes A Good SOP? Discussion of options for format, structure, level of detail of SOPs and the use of process maps for SOP writing. A case study example of a good SOP which uses a flow chart/process map.

14:45

Exercise 3 - Feedback

15:00

Break

15:15

A Case Study example of a good SOP that uses a flow chart / process map

15:30

Exercise 4

Discussion of the content of an SOP using a Process Map

15:35

Exercise 4 - Feedback

15:45

Key Writing Considerations

16:15

Exercise 5

16:45

Exercise 5 - Feedback

17:00

Close of Day

Day 2

09:00

Review of Day 1

09:15

Using Metrics

Selecting and using metrics to monitor and improve processes.

10:00

Exercise 6 - Practice in Process Mapping

Creating Process Maps from multi-source information.

11:00

Break

11:15

Exercise 6 - Feedback

11:45

Common Pitfalls

Common problems and tips for good Process Mapping.

12:15

Demonstration of Process Mapping on a PC

12:45

Lunch

13:30

Exercise 7 - Mind Mapping

14:30

Exercise 7 - Feedback

15:00

Break

15:15

Exercise 8 - Using Process Maps to Write an SOP

Applying your process mapping skills as part of writing an SOP

15:30

Exercise 8 - Feedback

15:45

Course Review and Follow-up

16:00

Close of Course

Course Material

This course will be run completely online. You will receive an email with a link to our online system, which will house your licensed course materials and access to the remote event.

Please note this course will run in UK timezone.

The advantages of this include:

• Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device
• Ability to review material at any time pre and post course
• Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course Access to an online course group to enhance networking.

You will need a stable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.