[Keith Gordon]

Neil

I do exactly as you suggest; a short introductory report with written submissions of evidence as attachments.

This also forms the basis of the final report with the introduction acting as the background before the issues considered, conclusions reached and finally the recommendations. I present the evidence as appendices, updated as necessary from the original report.

I have recently posted a report (on polyclinics - under health) to the library but would be happy to provide a sample by email for what its worth.

Keith

[Ed Hammond]

I have been doing some work recently for the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly - they took this approach with a couple of their reports over 2005/6 but have now moved to producing a full report, complemented by a summary brochure - an approach which I think works quite well (if you can afford it!). Documents are all available on their website - www.yhassembly.gov.uk.

[Claire Lee]

Hi Neil,

Not sure if you mean committee reports or scrutiny review reports so will comment on both. In terms of committee reports we have a rule (for all reports, not just scrutiny) that the covering report must be no more than 2 sides of A4, with further documents attached as appendices. Although the appendices can be quite extensive, it does mean that anyone can get the 'story' of an item by just reading two pages. The two page report includes background, financial appraisal (if appropriate), key points and recommendations. I think this works well as a discipline.

On scrutiny review reports we have a standard template which means there is a common format which Members and other officers can get used to. Although we try to keep reports concise, if a report must be lengthier for some reason we will include an exceutive summary which can stand alone if necessary.

You can access examples at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/scrutiny