Writing for Government (Reports)

About this course

This workshop covers short-form simple and complex reports. It will improve your ability to develop simple and complex reports that are structured and legible. You will consider the information needs of the report reader, typical structure and content and improve your skill in selecting focused and usable information. *Writing for Government (Reports) is part three of four for the Writing for Government suite.

Materials Required: All materials will be provided. Please bring refreshment for the day. Tea, coffee, and water will be available free of charge. There is also a café in H block if you wish to purchase your morning tea and lunch.

Additional Information: - Note: Writing for Government (Reports) is part three of four for the Writing for Government suite. -

Key Topics:
The key topics for Writing for Government (Reports) are:
- Types of reports
- Report structure
- Reader expectations
- Content and layout of simple reports
- Report development process
- Tips for improving reports
- Terms of reference and purpose statements
- Primary and secondary reader expectations
- Team writing
- Managing consultation
- Evidence-based argument
- Report structure and content
- Clearance and release of reports
- Tips for improving reports

This course is a practical workshop, which focuses on active learning though discussion, activities, case studies and critical thinking. You will then be guided through case studies and activities to develop skills in planning and writing structured and readable reports.

The course uses a workbook with tips and techniques for improving your writing. The workbook includes a checklist that will be useful when you are writing or reviewing reports in your workplace.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course you will be able to:
- identify the types of simple reports
- list what the reader expects from each type of report
- describe inductive and deductive approaches to report structure
- explain the typical content and layout of simple reports
- apply a process to developing the content of a report
- apply tips for improving the usability, readability and accessibility of reports
- identify the types of complex reports
- apply a process to developing the content of a complex report
- analyse a terms of reference to determine purpose and scope
- identify primary and secondary readers
- develop a simple consultation register
- explain the typical content and layout of complex reports
- apply tips for team writing, evidence-based argument and improving report usability and readability.