Successful transport decision-making - Osmose

FS 41: Fact sheet
Vol 2 - Table of Contents
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T12
What is a fact sheet?
A fact sheet is a short document designed to provide a review
of a project or strategy. It can provide detailed descriptions, but
should not rely on the reader having technical knowledge if it is
to be publicly available.
A fact sheet can be a useful reference document to accompany
responses to any queries from the public. It may be particular
effective for providing reassurance to individuals following
unfavourable or inaccurate media coverage. It will often be
interpreted as a definitive document, so if the project described
is still an option under consideration this must be clearly stated.
A fact sheet can also be used as an engagement tool, with the
addition of a response sheet section to allow readers to mail in
their comments.
How to use a fact sheet to INFORM?
A fact sheet can provide detailed information about a specific
topic. It is used to explain technical information about a project
in clear and understandable language. This enables a reader to
be informed about difficult components of a project, making
them better able to contribute to the decision-making
processes.
It may be useful to explain information with diagrams and
illustrations and to support these with brief explanations. A
Question and Answer format can be effective as it anticipates
the types of questions people might ask and provides detailed
answers. Information included in a fact sheet is not
sensationalised or 'dressed up'. It provides the bare facts about
an issue or project. A fact sheet aims to provide technical
information in an easy to understand way for the non-technical
reader.
How to use a fact sheet to ENGAGE?
A fact sheet can include a comment form and contact details for
feedback on a project or issue. A fact sheet can also provide
information about an upcoming event, such as a workshop.
It is beneficial to state how the information presented relates to
the rest of the project and how it will help the reader to
understand the project. This will make people better informed
to comment and make decisions. It may also encourage people
to participate in upcoming events, as they feel they have more
knowledge on the subject and have more of an understanding
of the issues or questions important to them. Determining how
to distribute a fact sheet is important. A fact sheet can be
distributed to a mailing list or delivered to all addresses in a
directly affected area.
When should you have a fact sheet?
A fact sheet can be prepared at any stage of the decisionmaking
process when the explanation of complex and technical
information is required. It is a good idea to prepare a fact sheet
as an information tool prior to an event such as a workshop or
focus group, where the discussions may involve information
contained in the fact sheet. You may decide to prepare a fact
sheet in response to a community request for additional
information about an issue or concept.
NOTES
Do you need to explain technical information to nontechnical
people?
Will your audience benefit from this publication?
How many fact sheets do you think you will need to
prepare?
88
A fact sheet distributed to local stakeholders in
Brno, Czech Republic.