Developing a Briefing Paper TN 21Sample Page
A briefing paper is a summary of facts pertaining to an issue and often includes a suggested
course of action. It consists of a precise statement or set of instructions intended to inform
another individual who may have solicited assistance to study and make recommendations on a
matter. For example, an executive assistant may provide a briefing paper to a manager or
chairperson for a board meeting, or a bureaucrat may provide a briefing paper to an elected
politician to consider a matter in department decision making.
As the term suggests, briefing papers are short and succinct. Usually written in outline format, a
briefing paper will seldom exceed two pages in length. Briefing papers provide a summary of an
issue, explain a situation that needs correcting, identify any financial implications, and recommend
a course of action including arguments for and against the suggested action.
Components of a typical briefing paper:
Name
• a note to identify who the briefing paper is intended for
Date
• the date of preparation of the briefing paper
Subject
• the topic or issue of the briefing paper
Background
• provides a summary of past and/or current events that provide a context for the topic
or issue, including any policies or past practices
Analysis
• identify significant aspects of the topic or issue
• identify the options or courses of action that should be considered, including details about
the advantages and disadvantages of each
• identify actions currently taken or recommended to address the issue
Cautionary Notes
• identify any sensitive aspects of the topic or issue that may affect a person or an
organization in a negative way
Contact
• the name and contact information of the writer of the briefing paper