1. Create Initiative Definitions

An Initiative Definition is a collection of one or more Azure Policy definitions that can be managed and assigned as a single unit.

Key points:

• Each Initiative can include up to 100 policies.

• Planning is needed to organize policies logically (e.g., by compliance standard or resource type).

Steps to create an Initiative Definition:

1. Go to the Azure portal → Policy.

2. Under Authoring, select Definitions.

3. Click + Initiative Definition.

4. Provide:

   • Name

   • Description

   • Category (create a new one if needed)

5. From the right panel, add policies:

   • Example: Allowed locations policy

   • Add additional policies as needed

6. Save your Initiative Definition.

7. Assign the initiative to a subscription or optionally a resource group.

2. Scope the Initiative

• Scope determines which resources are evaluated by your policy assignment.

• Can be set at:

  • Subscription level

  • Resource Group level

• Optionally, you can exclude specific resources within the scope.

3. Assign a Policy

Steps to assign a policy:

1. Go to the Azure portal → Policy → Assignments.

2. Click Assign Policy.

3. Set the Scope (Subscription or Resource Group).

4. Select the Policy Definition (e.g., Allowed locations).

5. Configure Parameters (e.g., select allowed locations).

6. Review and Create.

Note: Policy evaluation happens about once per hour.

4. Check Compliance

• Use the Compliance blade in Azure Policy.

• Shows:

  • Non-compliant initiatives

  • Non-compliant policies

  • Non-compliant resources

• Compliance state is either Compliant or Non-compliant.

5. Remediation Tasks

• Use the Remediation blade to:

  • See resources that need remediation.

  • Apply corrective actions if your policy supports it.

6. Remove Policies or Initiatives

Steps to remove a policy assignment:

1. Go to Assignments.

2. Select the policy → Delete assignment.

Steps to remove an initiative:

1. Go to Initiatives.

2. Select your initiative → Delete initiative.