Set the period and reference
State the reporting period, scope and the documents or meetings it draws on. Compare progress with the plan or agreed position and identify changes since the previous report.
Separate status from action
A status note may show that a document has not arrived; the action identifies who will request it and by when. Keep status, owner, action and target date in an updateable register.
Highlight decisions needed
Identify decisions requiring direction from the client or another party, and the information needed to make them. Connect each decision to the affected item and the date a response is needed.
Show what happens next
Summarise the next period’s work, expected documents and follow-up dates. Use consistent references for outstanding items so they can be tracked through to documented completion.
This guide covers the organisation of information and initial questions. Each project’s requirements and study scope depend on its particular circumstances.