NHSProviders homepage
z

Effective report writing

11 June 2025

9:30 - 16:00

Online

  • Leadership

  • Governance

Overview

Write reports that guide clear, confident decisions

Clear, well-structured reports are critical to effective governance in NHS trusts. This one-day course is designed for NHS staff who write or contribute to papers for boards and committees.

It offers practical guidance on structuring and writing reports that are easy to follow, help busy leaders focus on key issues, and support sound decision-making. Whether you are new to report writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this training offers valuable techniques to improve your practice.

Key takeaways
  1. Understand the purpose of board and committee papers and what decision-makers need from them.
  2. Learn how to structure reports to support clarity, transparency, and good governance.
  3. Develop skills to write clearly and succinctly without losing important detail.
  4. Gain tips for presenting complex information in a way that highlights priorities and recommended actions.
  5. Share experiences with peers and learn practical approaches to common challenges.

Why this matters

In today’s high-pressure NHS environment, boards need information that is clear, focused, and actionable. This course helps NHS leaders and report writers present complex issues and recommendations with precision, enabling faster, more confident decision making. Participants learn to craft board and committee reports that improve governance, save time, and support more effective leadership.

This was an excellent day – brilliant facilitators with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you so much for such a high quality day, one of the best courses I have attended.

Previous delegate

What we'll cover

  • The essential role and responsibilities of meeting administrators and minute takers.
  • Practical guidance on preparing agendas, circulating documents, and managing meeting logistics.
  • Techniques to capture clear, concise, and actionable minutes.
  • Identifying critical content required by NHS regulators for effective compliance.
  • Interactive exercises designed to build practical, hands-on minute-taking skills.

The course runs from 9.30am to 4pm (subject to change).

Trainers

Madelaine Warburton

Madelaine Warburton

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Madelaine Warburton

Madelaine Warburton

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Madelaine Warburton is a governance and assurance specialist with two decades of board-level experience in the NHS and other regulated public services. She is a qualified assessor of quality management systems, with a postgraduate qualification in healthcare governance. She is experienced in helping organisations meet regulatory and quality standards, and played a key role in the merger of two NHS trusts. Now working independently, Madelaine supports governance, assurance and compliance improvement, and conducts well-led reviews.

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie has 42 years of NHS experience, including 15 years as trust secretary. He is a former chair of NHS Providers' Company Secretaries Network and has provided governance support through secondments to other NHS trusts. A registered nurse with a master's degree in health policy and organisation, Peter now works as an associate with NHS Providers and as a governance consultant for NHS trusts. Peter has delivered training across the public and charitable sectors, in a wide range of leadership, clinical and governance subjects over the past 40 years, and contributes to local charitable work as a Rotarian.

Pricing

Open to NHS Providers members, associate members and non-members.

Member: £280 (ex VAT) | £336 (incl. VAT)
Associate Member: £350 (ex VAT) |  £420 (incl. VAT)
Non Member: £420 (ex VAT) | £504 (incl. VAT)

You will need to provide a purchase order number at booking to confirm your place on this course. Card payments are also accepted. 

Follow the ‘Book now’ link at the top of this page to book your place. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so.

Best training I have had since joining the NHS in 2013 - fantastic, thank you.

Previous delegate

Who should attend

All those faced with preparing board and committee papers including:

  • Executive directors.
  • Associate directors.
  • Those tasked with writing board and committee reports.

Bring this training to your trust

Delivered in-house and shaped around your priorities — helping your board embed learning, strengthen alignment and make smarter use of time and budget.

Enquire now
Abstract background with curved blue and green tones in NHS Providers’ brand style.

Learn more about our programmes