A system, method and computer program product for determining policy follow-up action based on user-specified codes are set forth. When determining policy follow up action based upon user specified codes, a policy system receives function templates for permissible actions on a given resource type; each function template is annotated with indications of success and failure; the policy system performs an action on the resource; the policy system receives a status indication (or exception); the status indication is compared against the annotated function template; and, the policy system determines its next action based on that comparison.