Write A Briefing Paper printable pdf download

Write A Briefing Paper

Developing a Briefing Paper

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A briefing paper is a summary of facts pertaining to an issue and often includes a suggested

course of action. It consists of a precise statement or set of instructions intended to inform

another individual who may have solicited assistance to study and make recommendations on a

matter. For example, an executive assistant may provide a briefing paper to a manager or

chairperson for a board meeting, or a bureaucrat may provide a briefing paper to an elected

politician to consider a matter in department decision making.

As the term suggests, briefing papers are short and succinct. Usually written in outline format, a

briefing paper will seldom exceed two pages in length. Briefing papers provide a summary of an

issue, explain a situation that needs correcting, identify any financial implications, and recommend

a course of action including arguments for and against the suggested action.

Components of a typical briefing paper:

Name

a note to identify who the briefing paper is intended for

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Date

the date of preparation of the briefing paper

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Subject

the topic or issue of the briefing paper

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Background

provides a summary of past and/or current events that provide a context for the topic

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or issue, including any policies or past practices

Analysis

identify significant aspects of the topic or issue

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identify the options or courses of action that should be considered, including details about

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the advantages and disadvantages of each

identify actions currently taken or recommended to address the issue

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Cautionary Notes

identify any sensitive aspects of the topic or issue that may affect a person or an

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organization in a negative way

Contact

the name and contact information of the writer of the briefing paper

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Write A Briefing Paper