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.

Book a free call

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.

Testimonial (report writing prompts)

“Exceptional — within 40 minutes, a complicated report I’ve been labouring over is clear and concise, in a sensible order … These tools are at the cutting edge of report writing, could be the mainstay of best practice and make life a lot easier for Council Officers and the Governance team. I found Debra and her tools invaluable to be able to upskill independently and to demonstrate Continuing Professional Development, outside of organisational training.”
Janelle BilcliffeCommunity Policy Advisor

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any AI experience to attend these courses?

No. All courses are designed for people at all levels, from complete beginners to those already using AI who want to go further. I walk through everything step by step.

Can these courses work with Microsoft Copilot?

Yes. I develop prompts for use in Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT or Claude.

What if my council has restrictions on AI use?

I follow strict confidentiality protocols and use only secure, appropriate AI tools for different risk levels of information. During setup, I’ll share my AI Policy with you, and I’m happy to adapt it to meet your organisation’s requirements.

Can courses be delivered in person?

Yes. All courses can be delivered online or in person, depending on your preference. In-person delivery outside of Nelson and Richmond will involve travel costs, which I’ll confirm in advance.

How much do the courses cost?

After a free initial conversation, I’ll provide a proposal with a fixed fee so it’s clear from the start what you’ll be doing and how much it will cost.

What if someone on the team needs more individual support?

I also offer AI coaching for staff who would benefit from personalised, ongoing guidance tied to a specific project.

Ready to write better council reports?

Get in touch to talk about your report writing needs, to help you decide if this training is the right fit for you.

Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz

Phone: 021 215 4698

Let's talk about reports!