Write an Analysis Brief That Supports a Decision

Begin with the decision and question

A useful analytical brief connects evidence to a specific decision. State who needs the result, what they are considering and the question investigated. Avoid beginning with a long description of the software used.

In the fictional exercise, a training team is considering when to review enquiry coverage. The analysis examines recorded arrival patterns, not the cause of those patterns or a guaranteed solution.

Describe the evidence

Record the source, period, unit and relevant filters. Summarise the checks performed and any missing information. Include enough detail for a reviewer to understand what the analysis covers.

Use fictional examples in practice copies. In operational work, use authorised sources and appropriate access arrangements. A concise brief should still make important exclusions visible rather than hiding them in a chart.

Separate observation from interpretation

Write what the records show before explaining what it might mean. An observed increase in recorded enquiries does not by itself show that a campaign caused the increase. Mention competing explanations and the information needed to examine them.

The Government Analysis Function guidance addresses communication of quality and uncertainty. This RDE template supports that discussion without calculating confidence intervals or replacing a specialist statistical review.

Offer a proportionate next step

Identify a next action supported by the evidence, the responsible owner and a review point. Explain whether more investigation is needed before a wider decision. Keep the recommendation separate from a promise of improved results.

Download the template and complete it with fictional findings. Ask a reader to identify the question, observation, limitation and proposed action. Revise any statement that appears more certain than the evidence permits. Use related learning for further analysis and reporting practice.

Source and practice note

Government Analysis Function guidance provides background on communicating quality and uncertainty. The examples and exercises are original RDE learning material using fictional situations.

Read the official guidance

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

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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.