How to write a Ministerial Brief?
What is a Brief?
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Briefings are used to keep decision makers informed about the issues they are responsible for. In government, briefings are the principal means of communication between government managers and their ministers.
A briefing note is a short paper that quickly and effectively informs a decision-maker about an issue. A useful briefing note often distils complex information into a short, well-structured document.
Characteristics of a good Briefing Note:
A well-prepared briefing note quickly and efficiently fills a person on an issue. A briefing note should be clear, concise and easy to read. To achieve its purpose, a briefing note should be:
short: as short as possible
concise/succinct: every word is used as efficiently as possible
clear: keep it simple and to the point; always keep your reader firmly in mind
reliable: the information in a briefing note must be accurate, sound and dependable; any missing information or questions about the information should be pointed out
readable: use plain language and design your briefing note for maximum readability.
How is a Briefing Note structured?
Briefing notes often follow a standard format. They have three main parts:
The purpose (usually stated as the issue, topic or purpose) – states what has happened, is happening, will happen or might happen that requires attention.
A summary of the facts/analysis (what this section contains, and the headings used will be determined by the purpose of the briefing note).
The conclusion (this may be a conclusion, a recommendation or other advice, or both).