Prepare Feedback That Describes the Work and the Next Step

Identify the specific work

Select the task or example you want to discuss and check that you are looking at the relevant version. Describe what you observed in concrete terms. Broad labels about someone’s character do not explain which part of the work needs attention.

In a fictional report review, the observation is that three actions have no named owner. The statement concerns the report. It does not establish that its author is careless or unwilling to take responsibility.

Check context before judging

Identify information you may be missing and prepare a question about it. The report author may not have received the action owners or may have been waiting for confirmation. A useful conversation leaves room for that explanation.

Acas recommends regular feedback and discussion of support needs. This exercise uses a routine learning conversation, not a formal disciplinary process. Follow the appropriate workplace procedure if a situation requires a different kind of review.

Prepare a practical next step

Explain the effect of the missing information and describe the standard needed for this task. Invite the other person’s perspective. Agree an action that addresses the work and identify any support required to complete it.

For the report example, the next step is to confirm the owners and update the current version before the review meeting. Record the agreed action and timing without turning an unresolved question into an accusation.

Use the preparation checklist

Download the PDF or Word checklist. Check the example, observation, context questions, expected result and follow-up arrangements. Use fictional details and practise the conversation with a colleague who agrees to take part.

After the practice, ask whether the feedback made the task and next step clear. Record what you would improve in your wording. The checklist helps prepare a discussion; it cannot predict how another person will respond.

Source and practice note

The official source provides background. Examples and exercises are original RDE learning material. Use fictional information for practice and follow approved workplace arrangements when adapting the exercise.

Read the official guidance

Cover image: AI-generated illustrative scene created specifically for this resource.

Download and complete the exercise

Read or print the PDF

Download the editable Word document

Printable PDF and editable Word document. Version 2.0, 8 October 2026. Personal and internal organisational adaptation permitted with Jefferson Otonbara Imgbi author credit retained.