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Report Writing

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Report Writing Course

This one-day workshop on Report Writing equips participants with the skills to craft clear, concise, and compelling reports in the public sector. Starting with an overview of report types and purposes, the workshop guides attendees through planning and structuring reports, including audience analysis and ethical considerations. Participants will learn data collection and analysis techniques, moving away from purely academic approaches, and focus on writing and editing strategies to enhance clarity and effectiveness. The session concludes with a Q&A and resources for further learning, ensuring participants are prepared to influence decision-making and communicate effectively.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the delegates will be able to:

  • Identify and understand different types of reports and their specific purposes in the public sector.
  • Develop strategies for planning and structuring reports to effectively communicate information and influence decision-making.
  • Apply techniques for audience analysis to tailor the report content for maximum impact.
  • Utilise best practices in data collection, analysis, and synthesis to support report findings.
  • Enhance their writing skills by applying principles of Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity, and using plain English for coherence.
  • Improve their editing and proofreading abilities to produce clear, concise, and compelling reports.

Programme

Introduction to the Workshop - Welcome and introductions
- Overview of the importance of report writing in professional settings
- Presentation of the key concepts and objectives for the day
- Structure and flow of the workshop
Session 1: Understanding Report Types and Purposes - Exploration of the types of reports commonly encountered in the public sector
- Discussion on the specific purposes each report serves
- The concept of "the story" in report writing
- Techniques for tailoring reports to suit different formats and objectives
Session 2: Planning and Structuring Your Report - Strategies for effectively planning and organising reports
- Steps to define clear report objectives
- Techniques for audience analysis
- Guidelines for preparing an effective outline
- Considerations for ethics in report writing
Session 3: Data Collection and Analysis Techniques - Overview of data analysis and its use in report writing
- Methods to unlearn purely academic approaches to data handling
- Techniques for data interpretation, synthesis, and presentation
Session 4: Writing and Editing Techniques - Principles of Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity (ABC) in report writing
- Ensuring coherence through the use of plain English
- Strategies for effective editing and proofreading
Workshop Conclusion - Open Q&A session to address any remaining queries
- Signposting further resources for deepening knowledge and skills in report writing
- Wrap-up and feedback collection


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