IMR writing for DHRs, SCRs and SARs Anneliese Hillyer-Thake

Discussion points Collating the evidence Discussions not interviews Think of the reader Crafting the analysis Recommendations Plain English writing Discussion on issues and challenges

Collating the evidence Investigate thoroughly, explore all areas of your agency Check your information against other agency information to ensure no gaps Define its purpose Organise into relevant areas Factual chronology of events checked against other agencies evidence

Discussions not interviews Inform your potential participants early Notify them with key information on process and expectation When notifying ensure they have the questions you need to ask Create a relaxed supportive environment for discussion Ensure they are clear of your role and that you are independent to the case

Think of the reader Why does this particular reader need or want to read this report? What is necessary to communicate to the reader? How much background will the reader need in order to understand the recommendations, conclusions and arguments made in the report? What does the reader already know about this or similar work? How wide is the reader’s knowledge of the subject?

Think of the reader What access to references and any cited documents will the reader have? What will be the reader’s expected response to the report? What, from the writer’s point of view, is the desired response to the report? How can the writer bridge the gap between what the reader knows already and what the writer wants (or needs) the reader to know, in order to produce the desired response Ensure numbering

Crafting the analysis Do not make assumption Analyse against organisational expectations and explain this Analyse against national policy and explain this Use research as you find broader issues Be clear about synthesising your final points to flow into next section

Recommendations You can not do any better than K.I.S.S There may be pressure to craft any number of recommendations by the panel, if you do not believe it is achievable by the organisation, stick to your view Share with the organisation and ensure the executive team are agreed

Plain English writing Short sentences Active or passive report Talk to your reader Nominalisation Cut out useless words Using lists Numbering sections and paragraphs Plan your writing Review and review – critical friend Defining yourself within the report

Discussion Over to you

Summary Organise your report into sections Use everyday English whenever possible Imagine you are talking to your reader. Write sincerely, personally, in a style And always check that your report is accurate, clear, concise and readable Have a good proof read / critical friend