Public Relations

Writing for Annual Reports

Annual reports communicate an organisation’s performance, strategy and outlook to investors and stakeholders. This course covers annual report structure and requirements, project planning, the strategic narrative, chairman and CEO statements, presenting performance, design and readability and digital reports.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Annual reports are often long but say little. You will learn to produce clear, compelling reports.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Report analysis, narrative workshops, statement drafting, project planning and peer review.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand annual report structure and requirements
Plan the annual report project
Develop the strategic narrative
Draft leadership statements
Present performance clearly and fairly
Improve design, readability and digital formats

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Corporate communication managers
Investor relations staff
Report writers and editors
Finance and governance staff
Company secretaries

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Report planning
Strategic narrative
Statement drafting
Performance presentation
Readability

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Annual Reports

09:00–10:08Purpose and audiences
10:08–11:00Requirements
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Requirements (continued)
11:45–12:53Examples
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Planning

09:00–10:08Project timeline
10:08–11:00Contributors
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Contributors (continued)
11:45–12:53Approvals
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Narrative

09:00–10:08Strategy story
10:08–11:00Business model
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Business model (continued)
11:45–12:53Risks
12:53–14:00Writing practice

Day 4Statements and Performance

09:00–10:08Chair and CEO statements
10:08–11:00Performance review
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Performance review (continued)
11:45–12:53Balance
12:53–14:00Drafting practice

Day 5Design and Digital

09:00–10:08Design and readability
10:08–11:00Digital reports
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Digital reports (continued)
11:45–12:53Review
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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