This paper briefly discusses the purpose of a conservation policy within a museum. A step-wise approach to conservation policy development, adapted from a set of guidelines for corporate policy development, is presented. Particular reference is made to the organizational structure of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, and approaces to conservation policy development within that context. The author stresses the importance of making staff throughout the institution aware of conservation principles and practices that affect their collections, and of involving all levels of staff in some aspect of the policy development process. Models for policy format and content are provided.