Good Actuarial Reports - Final top tips

In this latest blog, we provide an overview of our top tips when writing good actuarial reports.

User requirements

• Be totally clear who the report is for and what they need from the report before starting work
• Ensure the report is written using the language/layout required by the user, not the actuary
• Be concise and avoid jargon
   

Embed report in the whole process

• Consider what is required in the report before starting work
• Structure work so that sufficient time is available to complete the report
• View the report as the communication of the work carried out not as a separate piece of work
   

Scope what is required

• Consider any changes since the last report was produced
• Consider whether the users need any additional information to help them understand the issues
• Identify the best way of communicating the information (charts/graphs/powerpoint)
   

Present solutions, not numbers

• Focus on the results and the impact of those results on the business
• Present the results which are relevant to the purpose of the report.  
• Use Appendices for detail where appropriate.
• Use different visual representations of the results as appropriate for the audience.

Follow-up and feedback

• Identify any knowledge gaps amongst the audience and ensure these are covered in future reports
• Update user requirements prior to the next report

Read the other blogs in this series on Good Actuarial Reports.