What are the best practices for reporting to a steering committee?

1 Define the reporting purpose and scope

The first step to reporting to a steering committee is to define the purpose and scope of the report. What are the key questions or issues that the steering committee wants to address? What are the objectives and outcomes of the program? What are the relevant metrics and indicators to measure progress and performance? How often and in what format will the report be delivered? By clarifying these aspects, you can ensure that your report is aligned with the needs and expectations of the steering committee and that it provides the right level of detail and information.

3 Focus on the key points and findings

The third step to reporting to a steering committee is to focus on the key points and findings. A steering committee report is not meant to be a comprehensive or detailed account of every aspect of the program, but rather a summary of the most important and relevant information that the steering committee needs to know. Therefore, you should avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details, jargon, acronyms, or technical terms, and instead highlight the main achievements, challenges, opportunities, and risks of the program. You should also provide clear and concise explanations and analyses of the data and evidence that support your findings, and avoid making assumptions or generalizations.

4 Provide recommendations and actions

The fourth step to reporting to a steering committee is to provide recommendations and actions. A steering committee report is not only a descriptive or informative document, but also a prescriptive or actionable one. Therefore, you should not only report on what has happened or what is happening in the program, but also on what should happen or what needs to happen next. You should provide clear and realistic recommendations and actions that address the issues and risks that you have identified, and that align with the program objectives and outcomes. You should also assign responsibilities, timelines, and resources for each recommendation and action, and indicate how they will be monitored and evaluated.

5 Solicit feedback and input

The fifth step to reporting to a steering committee is to solicit feedback and input. A steering committee report is not a one-way or static communication, but a two-way or dynamic one. Therefore, you should not only report to the steering committee, but also engage with them and seek their opinions and suggestions. You should invite questions, comments, and feedback from the steering committee members, and acknowledge and address them in a respectful and constructive manner. You should also incorporate their feedback and input into your report revisions and program improvements, and demonstrate how you have done so.

6 Follow up and update

The sixth and final step to reporting to a steering committee is to follow up and update. A steering committee report is not a standalone or isolated document, but a continuous or iterative one. Therefore, you should not only report once to the steering committee, but also report regularly and consistently. You should follow up with the steering committee members after each report delivery, and confirm their receipt, understanding, and agreement of the report. You should also update them on the progress and performance of the program, and on the implementation and results of the recommendations and actions. You should also inform them of any changes or developments that may affect the program or the report.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?