Report Writing Coaching for Council Staff
You know what you want to say in your report. You just need a clear process to get it out of your head and onto the page. I’ll work alongside you on a real report, sharing proven AI prompts and a step-by-step workflow you can use again and again.
Is this for you?
This council report writing coaching is for staff who want to write better reports but don’t have a reliable process to follow. You might be new to report writing, or you might have been doing it for years and want a more efficient approach. Either way, you’ll get personalised support tied directly to a report you’re working on right now.
This is a good fit if you’re someone who:
- has a report due and wants structured guidance to get it done well
- finds it hard to move from research and thinking to a clear written draft
- wants to use AI as a thinking tool but isn’t sure where to start
- would value honest, constructive feedback from someone who has written hundreds of council reports.
How report writing coaching works
We work together over four online sessions, each one focused on a different stage of the report writing process. Between sessions, you apply what we’ve covered to your own report, so the learning is practical from day one.
Session 1: Getting started We define the issue your report addresses, write a clear purpose statement, and draft the background section. I demonstrate each AI prompt using a worked example, then we talk through how it applies to your report. (1 hour)
Session 2: Developing options and recommendations This is the most substantial session. We work through options development, assessment criteria, options analysis, risk assessment and your recommendation. I drive the AI tool while we talk through your topic together, so you can focus on the thinking rather than the mechanics. (1.5 hours)
Session 3: Structural editing You’ll have written your first draft by now. We review it together using AI prompts designed to check story structure, identify gaps, assess readability and test the logical flow. I also provide written feedback with tracked changes. (1.5 hours)
Session 4: Proofreading and polish We work through the final draft using a proofreading checklist and AI prompts that help you tighten your writing, strengthen your subheadings and spot errors. I review your updated draft and provide a final round of written feedback. (1 hour)
What you get
- Four online coaching sessions (five hours total) working on your actual report.
- A comprehensive set of advanced AI prompts covering every stage of the report writing process, from defining the issue through to proofreading.
- A repeatable workflow that combines manual steps with AI prompts, so you have a proven process for future reports.
- Permanent access to all prompts and resources on a password-protected webpage.
- Written feedback with tracked changes on your drafts between sessions.
- A proofreading checklist you can reuse.
What you'll walk away with
By the end of our work together, you’ll have a completed report you’re confident in, and a repeatable process for writing the next one. You won’t need to stare at a blank page wondering where to start. You’ll know how to use AI to draw out and organise your own thinking, without handing over control of your content. The prompts and workflow are yours to keep and use for every report that follows.
Who this is for
This service helps asset management planners who are updating council asset management plans (or activity management plans). You might work on flood protection, parks, transport, water, or other activity areas.
You’re comfortable with technical content – you can share your advice in meetings without hesitation. You’re less comfortable with getting the AMP sorted. You don’t want more training or to be left to figure out alone. You need someone to show you where AI fits within your specific process, so you save time immediately rather than adding to your list of tasks.
If you have attended my presentations on AI for AMP writing and want to apply those ideas to your AMP, this is a good next step.
What stays with you
I help you use AI more effectively. You remain responsible for the document.
Your critical thinking, asset knowledge, and professional judgment about priorities, risks and trade-offs are what will make your document a success. AI doesn’t replace this work. But it gives you something to respond to, manages cognitive load, and frees up time for the analysis and decision-making only you can do.
Safe use of AI
- Check with your team leader or manager before using AI to help you complete your AMP.
- Don’t upload confidential information. Māori knowledge and data is protected under the Privacy Act 2020.
- Review and verify anything AI provides before including it in final documents.
Frequently asked questions
I attended your presentation — is this the next step?
It can be. The presentation gives you the framework and shows opportunities. This service designs prompts for your AMP and builds them into a project plan you can follow. If you emailed your answers to reflection questions from the presentation, we can start there.
What AI platform do I need?
The prompts can be used with Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT or Claude. If your council has Copilot, we work within that.
Does this work for activity management plans too?
Yes. Some councils use “activity management plan” rather than “asset management plan.” The process and AI opportunities are the same.
How long does support take?
The initial call and discovery session can happen within one to two weeks, to suit your schedule.
Developing your project plan and prompts takes one to two weeks after that. Then you use prompts at each review stage – with access to additional support if you need it.
Can I get help with just one part of the process?
Yes. We can adjust the scope of this service to meet your needs and budget.
What does it cost?
The discovery session is $120 + GST. After that, you receive a proposal with a fixed fee for the agreed scope.
Why I do this work
I worked in policy and planning roles at Nelson City Council for nearly 20 years, including freshwater policy planning. For the past 12 years I’ve provided writing and editing services for New Zealand councils, including work on three waters and flood management AMPs for Marlborough District Council and Parks Activity Management Plans for Porirua City Council.
I understand AMP writing from the inside — structure, legislative requirements, and how they guide council work programmes.
Ready to use AI during your AMP review?
Whether you’re starting your review or partway through and want to bring AI into the process, let’s talk about your opportunities.
Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz
Phone: 021 215 4698
Testimonial
Frequently asked questions
Do I need AI experience to get started?
No. I work with people at all levels. If you haven’t used AI before, I’ll walk you through everything. If you’re already comfortable with it, we’ll build on how you’re currently using it.
Which AI platform do I need?
I develop prompts for use in Microsoft Copilot, as that is usually the preferred option of councils.
However, they also work well in ChatGPT or Claude.
Will this work for different types of reports?
This set of prompts focuses on council reports, which have common elements, including issue definition, options analysis and recommendations and clear writing.
However, I also use AI for other types of reports, and am happy to adapt the prompts and process to meet your reporting requirements.
What about confidentiality?
I have an AI Policy and a risk management framework which I can share with you before we start working together, and I’m happy to adapt my approach if your organisation has more rigorous requirements.
How much does it cost?
After a free initial conversation, I’ll develop a proposal with a fixed project fee so you know exactly what you’re getting and what it costs before we start.
Can other staff in my team access the coaching too?
This programme is designed as one-on-one coaching. However, if your council is interested in report writing coaching for a wider group, I also offer workshops for up to 10 people. Get in touch to discuss options.
