12.15 Report Writing

Report writing is a very important aspect of training and a trainee's training file is the only formal record he has to correct any misunderstandings or mistakes during training. It is therefore vitally important that instructors demonstrate a high standard of report writing.

Three principles of report writing

Report writing should:

  • Be constructive / thorough / concise.
  • Suggest remedial / corrective action.
  • Respect confidentiality.

How report writing operationalises the framework

The report-writing duty operationalises the assessment-reporting elements of the Instructor / Examiner Competency and Performance Framework:

  • Unit 5 Element E (Produces training and performance reports). Keeps appropriate and adequate training and performance records, including applicable electronic records; reports clearly and accurately on trainee's knowledge, skills and attitudes, using only observed performance and behaviours; records recommended corrective actions; reports recognized training opportunities within the training system for the purpose of process improvement; respects confidentiality.
  • Unit 5 Element D (Provides understandable and actionable feedback). Ensures applicant fully comprehends the assessment; applies or suggests appropriate corrective actions; uses facilitation techniques where appropriate; provides positive reinforcement; encourages mutual support; develops and seeks agreement on any plan for improvement or remediation.

The principles are reinforced by the structural protection set out in 12.6 Inappropriate Interference: once the report is submitted, no party other than the conducting instructor or examiner may alter or retract it without approval of the postholder / head of training. The integrity of the report depends on the writing standard at the moment of writing and on the protection thereafter.

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