Helping a to improve Board reports so that decisions could be well informed and with a clear rationale

Problem

• Subject matter experts found it difficult to express complex concepts clearly and concisely, meaning that Board members were often forced to explore rationales for proposals at Board meetings or push back recommendations for further work.
• Board papers were too long and meetings less effective.
• Both subject matter experts and Board members were frustrated by communication difficulties.

Solution

• Developed and agreed principles for “what good looks like” when delivering Board papers.
• Delivered a programme of training for all senior managers setting out Board members’ expectations when receiving papers and teasing out some of the challenges experienced by report authors in responding to these expectations.
• Provided targeted support to certain subject matter experts, working with them to ensure that key proposals were drafted clearly and sponsored/advocated by relevant Executives.
• Implemented structures and processes to embed new approaches to drafting Board papers in a sustainable manner.

Outcomes and benefits

• Board pack streamlined and required decisions more clearly identified in papers, together with the rationale for proposals.
• Board meetings more effective, with more time spent on strategic debate and less time spent on teasing out complex proposals for action.
• Greater and more positive engagement between subject matter experts and Board members.

“We probably halved the time we spent in meetings yet got more done.” Chief Executive

“Philippa absolutely transformed our Board papers.  Beforehand they were too long, hard to read and even harder to work out what we were supposed to do with them!” Chair