For Penprentices - Pushing The Pen

Welcome, Penprentice!

You’re new to governance writing.

Maybe you’ve recently been promoted into a management position; or maybe your role has just become more demanding after a restructure. Now you’re suddenly being asked to write committee papers, risks, business cases, board briefings or formal reports… and it feels as though people are assuming that you already know how to do it all.

The truth is, most public servants are expected to learn these skills on the job. The hidden rules, the unfamiliar language and the unwritten expectations aren’t always taught in the same way as management skills or other parts of the role.

This page is here to help. It’s a landing space for the questions Penprentices often ask – plus practical guidance, examples and resources to help you build confidence one step at a time. Sign up to the newsletter or pop back whenever suits – I’ll be adding new FAQ answers regularly.

🧡 Finding your feet

I’ve just been asked to write my first committee paper. Where do I start?
Nobody has taught me how to write for senior leaders. What do I do?
What’s different about writing for a board?
How do I know what information to include?
What are the biggest mistakes people make when they’re new to governance writing?

🧡 Learning the language

What does “governance” actually mean?
What’s the difference between governance and management?
What is a committee paper?
What’s the difference between a risk, an issue and an incident?
What does “assurance” actually mean?

🧡 Your first governance documents

I’ve never written a committee paper before.
I’ve never written a strategic risk before.
I’ve never written an executive summary before.
I’ve never written formal minutes before.
I’ve never written a business case before.

🧡 Building confidence

My basic spelling and grammar aren’t very good. What should I do?
How do I ask for feedback without feeling embarrassed?
What should I do if someone completely rewrites my paper?
How do I know when my work is “good enough” to send?
How can I improve quickly without waiting for a training course?

🧡 Everyday writing skills

How do I make my writing clearer without oversimplifying it?
How do I know what busy senior readers really need?
What simple editing habits will improve almost everything I write?
Can AI help me become a better writer without doing the thinking for me?
Where can I find examples of excellent public sector writing?