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RIS Decision-Making Process
Step 1 – Define the Decision
● Write a clear statement of what needs to be decided.
● Example: “Select the theme for the next whole-school pillar week.”
Step 2 – Identify the Decision Level
Use RIS’s 5 Authority Levels:
| Level | Description | Example |
| 1 – Individual | Small-scale, low-risk, within existing policy/budget | Teacher chooses classroom seating plan |
| 2 – Team/Committee | Affects one department or group | Outdoor Ed Committee selects day trip |
| 3 – Leadership | Cross-department impact, budget allocation | ELT approves new staff training program |
| 4 – Whole Staff | Requires broad professional consensus | New assessment policy |
| 5 – Whole School Community | Strategic or cultural significance | Adopting a new school-wide pillar |
Step 3 – Assign RACI Roles
| Role | Meaning | Question to Ask |
| R – Responsible | Leads the work to reach the decision | Who will gather info and prepare options? |
| A – Accountable | Final decision authority | Who signs off? |
| C – Consulted | Gives input before decision | Who must we listen to before deciding? |
| I – Informed | Told after decision is made | Who needs to know the outcome? |
Step 4 – Decision & Documentation
● The Accountable person confirms and communicates the decision.
● Keep a Decision Log:
○ Decision statement
○ Decision level
○ RACI table
○ Final choice & rationale
Step 5 – Review & Reflect
● After implementation, reflect on:
○ Did the process lead to a good outcome?
○ Were the right people involved?
○ Were criteria appropriate?