Communicating what was established.
WHAT A REPORT SHOULD CONTAIN
What was asked What was examined What method was used What was found, as fact What was concluded, as inference What could not be established What is recommended
WHY SEPARATING FACT FROM INFERENCE
Conclusions presented as facts are challenged, and they undermine the report.
WHAT TO STATE ABOUT LIMITATIONS
What was not examined What evidence was unavailable What uncertainty remains
WHY
Reports claiming more certainty than the evidence supports fail under scrutiny.
WHAT TO AVOID
Speculation Attributing motive Language suggesting guilt Conclusions about matters outside your competence
WHY MOTIVE SPECIFICALLY
Evidence shows actions, not reasons.
WHAT TO WRITE FOR
The audience: management, legal advisers, or potentially a tribunal.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who will see it.
WHY
It affects what may be included and how it is protected.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Whether the report attracts legal privilege.
WHY
Reports prepared for litigation may be protected, and those prepared otherwise may not.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
Advice on that, before writing, where proceedings are possible.
WHAT TO INCLUDE AS APPENDICES
Evidence supporting each finding The chain of custody record The timeline
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That every finding is traceable to evidence.
WHAT TO RECOMMEND
What should change to prevent recurrence.
WHY IT BELONGS
It is the practical value of the exercise.
WHAT TO DISTRIBUTE
Only to those who need it.
