How to Write a Board Report

https://boardroomlife.com/how-to-write-a-board-report-that-delights-your-board/

Board members have a lot on their plates, and they’re expected to make important decisions. It is crucial to communicate the most important business information of your company in a clear, engaging way. This article will provide the best practices for writing excellent board reports.

Start with a summary. This is the ingredient that binds everything together in one bite to your readers who are short on time. It should give them a flavour of what’s to come and why they should take the time to read through the full report.

Then, present the meat of your report. Include key metrics and data that is relevant to your business, such as those that compare to industry benchmarks. Highlight any milestones and achievements that the company has achieved as well as any issues that could affect future performance. Don’t forget to address any upcoming projects that require the board’s approval or financial support.

Include any high-level statements of opportunity or risk the company has identified and the impact they have on the company. It is recommended to present them in a way that is compatible with the board’s tolerance to risk.

You should end with your main takeaways, and a clear statement regarding the next steps that the company must take. The purpose of the report will determine the contents whether it’s to inform the board, or – more commonly – to request an opinion. This will determine the way you structure the entire report, including whether you require a table of contents along with clear headings and bullet points to communicate your main points.