By the end of this course, participants will be able to write ministerial briefs that are:

• Clear, concise, complete and correct

• Written in the format required by their organisation

• Aligned with departmental style guides

• Focused on supporting timely and effective decision-making

• Polished using AI while maintaining professional judgement

Participants will also be able to:

• Explain the importance of high-quality ministerial briefings

• Apply content planning, writing and editing techniques confidently

• Communicate key messages using the appropriate level of detail

• Use appropriate language and tone, avoiding unconscious bias

• Locate online resources that support preparation of ministerial briefs

What is a ministerial brief?

• The purpose and goal of a ministerial brief

• Types of ministerial briefs and reports

• What information a minister needs to make decisions

• Making the shift from documenting detail to documenting strategy

• How ministers use briefs

• The time a minister typically spends reading a brief

Using the template

• Understanding organisational templates

• What each heading is asking for

• How the template supports clarity and decision-making

Addressing standard headings

• Title

• Executive summary or core message

• Recommendations

• Key information, including:

  • The story

  • Financial implications

  • Options considered

  • Communications and engagement

  • Context and consultation

  • Risks

  • Attachments

Planning the brief

• Distilling information for the reader

• Using a spidergram to identify and plan content

• Writing quickly and efficiently from the spidergram

Editing and proofreading your brief

Editing techniques aligned with departmental style guides:

• Sentence length and structure

• Main message first in sentences and paragraphs

• Passive versus active voice

• Plain English and correct word choice to suit the reader

• Eliminating wasted words

• Formatting techniques to improve readability

• Using AI to polish the document

Proofreading techniques to ensure accuracy and consistency.