Subcategories are the finest level of the framework structure. They group individual requirements under categories, and they are where most of the day-to-day applicability and coverage work happens.

1. Add, Edit and Organise Subcategories

  • Add New Subcategory: add a subcategory from the Framework Structure panel or from its parent category; a display code is suggested automatically.
  • Edit: update the display code, name and description from the details panel.
  • Delete: remove a subcategory from its More options menu, with confirmation.
  • Reorder and move: drag and drop subcategories to reorder them or reassign them to another category; changes are confirmed through the save bar.

2. Define Applicability

The applicability status records whether an element is relevant to your scope and where its implementation stands. The options are:

  • Unknown: the default status; the applicability of this element has not been assessed yet.
  • Implemented: the element is fully in place and operational. Elements marked Implemented are the ones that can flow into your policies through Framework Updates.
  • Not Implemented: the element applies but is not yet implemented. Explain why (for example organisational immaturity, pending implementation, or alternative measures in place) and the plan to address it.
  • Not Applicable: the element does not apply to your scope. Explain why in the justification.

Each status change can carry a Justification, and you can apply the status recursively to all child elements.

3. Assess and Assign

  • Maturity: set current and target maturity levels with descriptions.
  • Weighting: weight the subcategory in the overall assessment.
  • Owners: assign one or several owners to the subcategory.
Owners button

4. Monitor Policy Coverage

The Control Progression section lists the policy controls linked to the subcategory with their average completion. Confirm finished coverage with Mark as Complete, or exclude the subcategory from linking with Mark as Not Required.

5. Evidence, Reviews and Collaboration

As with domains and categories, each subcategory supports Evidences (files or links), Periodicity Reviews with automatic reminders, Comments and expiring Share links.

Note: each subcategory carries a permanent registered code (e.g. FSC_00001) alongside its editable display code, ensuring uniqueness within your framework.