Conventions for functional standard naming, numbering, versioning and status
Published 30 September 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handbook-for-standard-managers/conventions-for-functional-standard-naming-numbering-versioning-and-status
The standards policy team owns these conventions on behalf of the design authority and should always be consulted about naming, numbering, versioning and status.
1. Naming
The title for a standard should reflect the function, be in plain English and not use jargon. The title may be short, just representing the function or may include a sub-title. For example: Project delivery or Project delivery: portfolio, programme and project management.
2. Numbering
Each standard should have a unique identification number, which should not be changed after the standard has been published. No implicit inference should be made concerning numbering. Numbering should be agnostic to any grouping such as departments, as these are likely to change. The numbering convention should be GovS followed by a space and then a number assigned by the design authority. If a standard is to be published as a series of documents, the numbering should show the ‘part number’ as a decimal. For example:
GovS 001; GovS 002; GovS 007; GovS 012 or GovS 001.1, GovS 001.2, GovS 001.3
3. Versioning
Major versions are denoted 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 etc. and require a full review before issuing. Minor versions are denoted 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 etc. and require review of only the amended parts. Drafts are denoted by the version they will become, followed by Draft A, B etc. e.g. 1.1 Draft C.
4. Status
Each standard shall have its status maintained in the government functional standards register and be clearly marked on the cover and every page:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposed | A standard which has not been written but identified as being needed |
| Draft | The working draft of a standard version used for informal review |
| For review | The version of the standard submitted for formal review |
| For approval | The version of the standard submitted for formal approval |
| Approved for internal government trial | The version of the standard approved for stakeholder trialling across government |
| Approved | The approved version of the standard approved for use |