As said use the template for most requirements. Some things require common sense too as one of the issues with the regs/model docs is they're out of date in places - for example somewhere there's something about not storing passwords on a computer, which these days is silly with secure digital lockers etc.
In my case, any expenses we have need to be approved/signed off then paid, usually at the next meeting. As clerk, I couldn't pay myself as our bank account is setup so I can only schedule payments not approve them - two councillors always have to release them. That seems a strange gap that I'm surprised an auditor hasn't queried - ours certainly would.
My council also has two credit cards which is also quite unusual I think - one for me and one for a councillor. I use mine for some small regular subscriptions and things like stationery, the councillor is the main person for open spaces and allotments and makes lots of little purchases related to those - to do all that through expenses/waiting for approval each time would be very restrictive. We just amended the regs to include the cards as that was a sensible solution for us - they still get scrutinised and signed off as other payments but are just paid by DD.
