Like any policy wonk, my summer reading is catching up on reading some reports.
I’ve just read a good 250-plus-page report. The sort that is full of data, evidence and solutions.
Before I read a report, I turn to my working checklist. I go through the report and tick when one of the items bellow pops up.
This is my current checklist:
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Clear writing
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Executive summary
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Recommendations Summary
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Public Policy recommendations (specific legislative, policy or regulatory changes)
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Clear and actionable solutions
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Timely
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Objective data
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Objective evidence
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Up-to-date data and evidence
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Use of acknowledged experts
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Relevant and specific examples
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Public examples
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Genuine peer review
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Visuals
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Graphs for data
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Raw data is publicly accessible
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Non-selettive citation
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No Cherry picking
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No Citating yourself
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Accessible (PDF, downloadable)
As a general rule of thumb, the more items you can tick, the more likely the report will be taken up and used.
There are variations on this checklist.
If the report’s goal is to influence the Commission’s thinking, it makes sense to mirror the questions the Commission asks itself when preparing a legislative proposal.
You might even include an annexe with a draft bill if proposing legislative changes.
If you write a lengthy report directed to policymakers and politicians but do not include clear public policy recommendations and solutions, don’t be surprised if your report spends time gathering dust in the cloud.