1-Day Workshop
Facilitated by: Dr Scott Prasser and Bruce Kingston
Aims
Preparing briefs and other documents such as correspondence, reports, project plans, proposals, advice, research papers in the public sector require awareness of the particular environment and context of the public sector. This includes appreciation of the nature of government, the special relationships with the broader community and requirements of the specialised aspects of different departments and the programs they deliver.
The set of writing skills and processes involved are very different from most other organisational settings. Writing in the public sector requires in many cases academic analytical rigour, but a distinctly different and more direct writing style.
While the public sector has clear guidelines about format, style and structural requirements, what is often lacking in initially produced documents is an appreciation of the nature and purpose of the document being prepared, the needs of its audience, its potential impact on government policy directions and associated sensitivities.
Key issues for this discussion include:
- Understand and Define the Writing Cycle
- Clarify objectives, purpose, sensitivity and appreciating timeframes
- Link the public sector environment, nature of documents, forums and audiences
- Understand impacts on writing style requirements and format
- Prepare the document with issues such as format, styles, language, length, level of preparation, research and analysis
- Developing of a checklist for assessing progress at each step
- Assessing the document and develop criteria for a successful document
Methodology
The workshop is conducted through an interactive and iterative process with all participants working on preparing a document, sharing their progress with the group, contributing to the development of an 'ideal' document so as each person can appreciate the value of dfferent quality aspects of writing.
This workshop equips participants to:
- An introduction to the nature of the public sector environment and its impact on preparing documents
- An understanding of the wide range and different purposes of documents used in the public sector and matching this to document preparation
- An appreciation of the different processes, forums and audiences in the preparation of material
- Assistance with selecting the most appropriate form, style and level of detail in preparing documents
- Case studies and practical exercises to highlight specific skills and competencies required in effective document writing
- A checklist to assist them with common mistakes and developing criteria for best practice public sector writing
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