Ask a policy what it actually requires, and see the exact wording
Internal policies are written to be precise and read in a hurry, and the answer to a real question usually depends on a definition, a scope statement and an exception clause in three different places. Upload your policies to a Search+ workspace, ask whether something is allowed and who has to approve it, and open the cited passage to read the rule in the policy's own words.
Creating an account needs no payment.
Last updated October 2026
How to read a policy with Search+
- Upload the policy and what it refers to
Add the policy, often a Word document or a PDF from the intranet, with the standards, procedures or forms it points to and the definitions document if terms are defined centrally. Policies often depend on each other.
- Describe your situation in Workspace Context
For example: "I am a team lead in the sales department; answer from the perspective of a manager approving spend". Search+ applies that context to every question in the workspace.
- Ask about scope first, then the rule
Ask whether the policy applies to your case before asking what it requires. Open each citation to read the scope statement and the rule together.
Questions employees and managers ask about a policy
Who does this policy apply to, and does it cover contractors as well as employees?
What does the policy require before a new supplier can be used?
Who has to approve an exception, and is there a form or process for requesting one?
How does the policy define a conflict of interest?
When was this policy last reviewed, and who owns it?
Across the policies in this workspace, which ones mention the approval of travel expenses?
What reading a policy correctly needs
Most policies say who and what they cover near the start. A requirement that seems to apply to you may not, if the scope excludes your role, location or activity.
Words such as "employee", "confidential information" or "gift" are often given a specific meaning in a definitions section. Read the definition before relying on the everyday meaning.
Policies typically use "must" or "shall" for mandatory rules, "should" for recommendations and "may" for permissions. The verb in the cited sentence tells you how strict the rule is.
Policies are reviewed and replaced. The version, effective date and owner are usually in a header or document control table; check you are reading the current version.
Upload many policies to one workspace and ask across all of them, or narrow a question to one policy.
Answers include inline citations; open one to read the supporting excerpt from the policy.
Sections of a policy and what to ask
| Section | What it usually covers | A question to ask Search+ |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Why the policy exists | What risk or goal is this policy meant to address? |
| Scope | Who and what it applies to | Does this policy apply to temporary staff? |
| Definitions | Meanings of key terms | How is a reportable gift defined? |
| Policy statements | The rules themselves | What is prohibited under this policy? |
| Roles and responsibilities | Who does what | Who is responsible for enforcing this policy? |
| Exceptions | How departures are requested and approved | Who can grant an exception, and how? |
| Document control | Owner, version, review date | When is the next review date? |
What is a policy document?
A policy document is a formal statement of an organization's rules or principles on a topic, setting out its purpose, scope, requirements, responsibilities and how exceptions are handled, and approved by someone with authority to set it.
Policy document questions
Can Search+ tell me if something is allowed under our policy?
Can it find the definition a policy relies on?
Can it tell me the current version?
Can it search a whole policy manual?
Can I compare two versions of a policy?
Is the answer a ruling on our policy?
Get the rule in the policy's own words
Start a workspace, upload your policies, and ask what they require and who approves exceptions.
Start a workspace