Annual reporting framework 2012/13 reporting year - Public Sector ...

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1. Principles for reporting The four principles agencies should follow for annual reporting are: • quality of information • presentation • readability • format and layout. Quality of information The quality of information contained in annual reports is paramount and should enable the reader to understand the agency, its purpose, services and performance. The annual report should be the primary mechanism for reporting agency performance against the strategic plan, budget papers, resource agreement and other strategic documents. It should also outline the agency’s contribution to broader Governmentdesired outcomes. Information should be factual, avoid generalisations and include all relevant information - not just ‘good news’. Outcomes should be emphasised, rather than process or procedure. All obligatory components of the annual report (listed in Sections 3 and 4 of this document) must be included. If the agency has no applicable information for a particular requirement, an appropriate explanation should be provided. The annual report should also specify the extent of the agency’s compliance with various legislative and Government policy requirements, as discussed in Section 4. Presentation With Parliament as the primary audience, annual reports should be presented as an objective account of agency performance, rather than be designed for promotion, marketing or other commercial purposes. While presentation can attract the reader and clarify content, agencies should keep costs as low as possible for graphics, photographs, artwork and printing. Annual reporting framework 2012/13 reporting year 6
Limited use of colour is permitted. Its purpose should be to add value to the report and enhance its readability. It should not be used extensively throughout the report or as a means of marketing or promoting the agency. If a glossy or colourful document is required, the agency should produce a document separate to the annual report, in accordance with the agency’s policy for developing promotional materials. Content extracted from the annual report may be used for such a document, but it should not be the official annual report. Readability Reports should be: • clear and concise – written in plain English, excluding unnecessary text and with minimal technical jargon. • easy to understand – key points of interest should be highlighted for readers, with graphs and comparative data to allow quick understanding of the report’s content. • written with the target audience in mind – the primary audience is parliamentarians, but agencies should consider a wide range of stakeholders, including special interest citizens’ groups, non-government organisations and the general public including people with disabilities. The language used should cater for all readers. For example, key financial information should be presented in plain language. Information should also be made available in alternative formats upon request. Format and layout The presentation of the annual report should be simple and logical, allowing readers to easily access information. A table of contents should be included that applies the recommended structure to present information as required in Section 4 of this document: • Overview of the agency. • Agency performance. • Significant issues impacting the agency. • Disclosures and legal compliance. Annual reporting framework 2012/13 reporting year 7
Page 1 and 2: Annual reporting framework 2012/13
Page 3 and 4: Contents Commissioner’s overview
Page 5: Introduction This framework assists
Page 9 and 10: Parliament Hard copies The agency m
Page 11 and 12: • an electronic copy, website ver
Page 13 and 14: Feedback It is useful for agencies
Page 15 and 16: Other sources Section 31(1) of the
Page 17 and 18: Further information about outcome b
Page 19 and 20: For each element a public agency ca
Page 21 and 22: Contact: Assistant Director, Public
Page 23 and 24: A report of annual performance for
Page 25 and 26: Appendix A - annual report checklis
Page 27 and 28: The electronic copy is: produced i

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