Writing Reports Workshop

1. To share and build on good practice 2. To improve the quality of reports and meeting milestones 3. To develop guidelines on house style

1. Identify key characteristics of good reports 2. Get it right first time! 3. Edit reports with annotations and changes 4. Develop writing skills 5. Apply house-style guidelines

Evidence-based process and outcomes Need for consistency Drafting and redrafting throughout engagement Using the Handbook Experience of first developmental engagements

Feedback from developmental engagements what works Drafting short sharp strengths and matters to be rectified for Oral Feedback and Conclusions Drafting main text with evaluation, discussion and evidence

What is good reporting? Writing for the reader Building an evidence base Organising the information Clarifying the key points Presenting evaluations supported by evidence Complying with structure (annex Q) Following house style Showing balance and tone

1. Stages of editing given in Handbook (paragraph 56 page 25) 2. All reviewers are in a sense : ◦ “writers” - drafting paragraphs and conclusions ◦ “editors” - reading, checking accuracy and commenting 3. Chair is author 4. QAAP appoints an editor 5. Final reading is done in QAAP

Addressing all the key points, reflecting the Handbook prompts Accurately presenting the peer reviewers’ conclusions Clear and intelligible to the reader Offering an agenda for improvement Consistent in the main text and between main text and conclusions Evaluative with supporting evidence Giving references in conclusions to main text Complying with structure Complying with house style

1. Use the template provided 2. Refer to the Handbook 3. Analyse the sample report material provided 4. Identify good practice 5. Identify any areas for improvement, e.g. gaps and apparent inconsistencies 6. Write a draft paragraph using the material providing 7. Record findings to present to the workshop

1. Use the extract of the draft report to edit 2. Comment on whether any changes should be done and if so what 3. Refer to final version of the report and comment on its clarity, accuracy, fairness, and usefulness to the institution 4. Record your responses and any recommendations for presentation to the workshop

Features of good reporting Writing skills Writing and editing Handling fairly the responses from institutions Using the Handbook