Report Writing
Report Writing – Producing reports for Improvement Committees - Guidance for Council Officers
Content of Reports
Reports to Improvement Committees can be for a variety of different purposes and no single framework is likely to meet all needs. Officers therefore have flexibility in drafting reports in order to best meet the needs of the Committee. The following headings may assist in providing a framework for reports.
For a copy of the Overview & Scrutiny report template click here (36kb)
Summary
This should indicate the purpose of the report and explain briefly its contents.
Background
This should indicate any chronology relevant to the report for it to be considered in the context of the role the Committee are performing. For example, the dates the issues were previously before the Committee (or other body) and the decisions made.
Report Issues
Officer will need to set their own layout and headings as the issues of the report dictate.
Options
Identify any relevant options reflecting the purpose of the report and its contents.
Contribution to Corporate Priorities
- Identify the corporate priorities and respective plans and strategy to which the contents of the report relate.
- Explain how the issues in the report contribute to the corporate priorities.
Community Cohesion and cross cutting strategies should be specifically addressed.
Recommendations
Recommendations should reflect the role of scrutiny and the process the Committee is undertaking. Recommendations will generally therefore be guiding the Committee towards the next stage in the process.
Background Documents
List the Background documents which have been relied on in preparing the report. E.g. previous minutes of relevant committees
Not for publication (where appropriate)
Identify any documents (or parts of the report), which are not for publication.
Code of Conduct
Members
All Members and co-opted Members have a duty to comply with the Members code of conduct and need to ensure that they are aware of the conditions in part 4A of the constitution. In brief, the code of conduct relates to the following issues:-
- Promote equality
- Treat others with respect
- Not compromise the impartiality of Council Officers
- Confidentiality of information
- Declare personal, prejudicial and financial interest
- Registration of gifts and hospitalities
- Protocol on Member-Officer Relations
Officers
Officers need to also make themselves aware of the Code of conduct Part 4a of the constitution. There is a protocol on Member-Officer relations that provides rules and guidance on what is expected to promote effective working relations. (View Part 6 of the Constitution)
