91 Writing courses in Cambridge

COURSE INFORMATION This course aims to empower you with the expertise to proficiently navigate process mapping and master the art of crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within regulated environments. Whether you're engaged in activities that demand process improvement, continual enhancement, or SOP creation, this course offers invaluable insights tailored to your needs. It caters to individuals tasked with managing, documenting, and implementing processes and SOPs, irrespective of prior experience or skills. Our curriculum does not focus on specific software or approaches, focusing instead on fundamental principles and adaptable concepts applicable across diverse organisational landscapes. BENEFITS INCLUDE: * Hands-on experience in mapping processes * An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes * An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text * An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs. THIS COURSE IS STRUCTURED TO ENCOURAGE DELEGATES TO:  * Discuss and develop ideas * Develop a practical approach for creating process maps and writing SOPs * Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively * Discuss how process mapping for preparing SOPs can be applied to process improvement for SOPs. IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU? The course is designed for all those with responsibility for managing, documenting and implementing processes and SOPs. It assumes no prior experience or skills. The course does not recommend any specific software or approach, but explores the principles and ideas that can be applied in any organisation. WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? * Hands-on experience in mapping processes * An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes * An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text * An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs. By the end of the course you will be able to: * Create process maps and write clearer more concise SOPs * Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively * Understand how process mapping can be applied to process improvement and better SOPs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TUTORS Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies): LAURA BROWN Director, Laura Brown Training and Development DAVID BUTLER VP of Quality, Resolian -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROGRAMME Please note timings may be subject to alteration. DAY 1 09:00 WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND COURSE OBJECTIVES Why Companies manage by process. 10:00 EXERCISE 1 - FIRST STEPS Mechanisms for process mapping, levels at which it can be applied, and the roles and responsibilities of process owners. 10:30 EXERCISE 1 - FEEDBACK 10:45 BREAK 11:00 MAPPING PROCESSES The stages involved in mapping processes including how to construct a SIPOC chart. 11:45 EXERCISE 2 - MAPPING A PROCESS A first opportunity to practice your new process mapping skills. 12:30 EXERCISE 2 - FEEDBACK 13:00 LUNCH 14:00 EXERCISE 3 - DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS FOR FORMAT, STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT What Makes A Good SOP? Discussion of options for format, structure, level of detail of SOPs and the use of process maps for SOP writing. A case study example of a good SOP which uses a flow chart/process map. 14:45 EXERCISE 3 - FEEDBACK 15:00 BREAK 15:15 A CASE STUDY EXAMPLE OF A GOOD SOP THAT USES A FLOW CHART / PROCESS MAP 15:30 EXERCISE 4 Discussion of the content of an SOP using a Process Map 15:35 EXERCISE 4 - FEEDBACK 15:45 KEY WRITING CONSIDERATIONS 16:15 EXERCISE 5 16:45 EXERCISE 5 - FEEDBACK 17:00 CLOSE OF DAY DAY 2 09:00 REVIEW OF DAY 1 09:15 USING METRICS Selecting and using metrics to monitor and improve processes. 10:00 EXERCISE 6 - PRACTICE IN PROCESS MAPPING Creating Process Maps from multi-source information. 11:00 BREAK 11:15 EXERCISE 6 - FEEDBACK 11:45 COMMON PITFALLS Common problems and tips for good Process Mapping. 12:15 DEMONSTRATION OF PROCESS MAPPING ON A PC 12:45 LUNCH 13:30 EXERCISE 7 - MIND MAPPING 14:30 EXERCISE 7 - FEEDBACK 15:00 BREAK 15:15 EXERCISE 8 - USING PROCESS MAPS TO WRITE AN SOP Applying your process mapping skills as part of writing an SOP 15:30 EXERCISE 8 - FEEDBACK 15:45 COURSE REVIEW AND FOLLOW-UP 16:00 CLOSE OF COURSE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXTRA INFORMATION Face-to-face course COURSE MATERIAL Course material will be available in PDF format for delegates attending this course. The advantages of this include: * Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device * Ability to review material at any time pre and post course * Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course. The material will be emailed in advance of the course and RQA will not be providing any printed copies of the course notes during the training itself. Delegates wishing to have a hard copy of the notes should print these in advance to bring with them. Alternatively delegates are welcome to bring along their own portable devices to view the material during the training sessions. Remote course COURSE MATERIAL This course will be run completely online. You will receive an email with a link to our online system, which will house your licensed course materials and access to the remote event. Please note this course will run in UK timezone. THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS INCLUDE: * Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device * Ability to review material at any time pre and post course * Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course Access to an online course group to enhance networking. You will need a stable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.   DEVELOPMENT LEVEL Learn

International Summer School for 13-18 year olds from all over the world at St Andrews, Cambridge and Yale Universities.

Effective report writing, the exchange of information, ideas, opinions and decisions between people at all levels, internally and externally, makes a vital contribution to organisational success.

This very practical session is designed to enable participants to improve the impact, clarity and accuracy of their reports. It focuses equally on the two key areas - structure and writing technique. This course will help participants: * Scope reports based on objective and intended readership * Write a structured report * Use the Fog Index to ensure readability * Write grammatically correct and well-punctuated text * Review and edit their work. 1 INTRODUCTION * Objectives and overview * Introductions and personal aims 2 WHAT MAKES A GOOD REPORT? * Practical activity and feedback 3 BEFORE YOU START * The planning process and scoping a report * Organising information * Key report headings * What goes where? * Writing practice and review 4 WRITING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES * Clear English and use of language * Grammar and sentence structure * Refresher in punctuation * Writing in the third person * The Fog Index - and how to measure readability 5 PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER * Reviewing and proofing 6 REVIEW * Summary of key learning points * Action planning

This workshop is very practical in its nature and aims to give delegates an opportunity to not only learn about the key aspects of successful bid writing, but to also put them into practice. The workshop helps delegates understand what is most important to buyers and how to successfully convey they proposition to them. 1 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 2 THE MINDSET OF SUCCESSFUL BID WRITING * The mindset needed for successful bid writing * Thinking from the buyer's perspective and not your own 3 DECISION MAKING * The way buyers make decisions - rational and emotional * Understanding buying motives * Looking at how to present ideas against those motives * The idea of cognitive fluency * How to pitch an idea in a way that leads to a positive decision 4 TO BID OR NOT TO BID? * Writing a bid is a big commitment; a clear understanding of the chances of winning is required * Understanding of the implications of winning and the impact it will have on the organisation 5 UNDERSTANDING YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION * Framework to help identify unique proposition and how that fits in with the requirements of the bid 6 THE TENDER PROCESS * Understanding the process to enable a successful chance of winning the bid * Different types of tender processes * Evaluation of criteria and the impact on bid writing 7 WRITING SKILLS * Different ways of writing and structuring bids to ensure their messages gets across well in a way that will be looked on favourably by the buyer 8 SUMMARISE 9 CLOSE

The aim of this programme is to help attendees create better quality technical documents in an organised and efficient manner. It will give those new to the topic an appreciation of how to approach the task professionally whilst those with more experience will be able to refresh and refine their skills. The programme comprises three complementary one-day modules: The programme presents a structured methodology for creating technical documents and provides a range of practical techniques that help delegates put principles into practice. Although not essential, it is strongly advised that delegates for modules 2 and 3 have already attended module 1, or another equivalent course. Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. This course will: * Explain the qualities and benefits of well written technical documents * Present a structured approach for producing technical documents * Review the essential skills of effective technical writing * Demonstrate practical methods to help create better documents * Provide tools and techniques for specification and report writing * Review how technical documents should be issued and controlled Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. Module 1: Essential skills for technical writers 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMME * Aims and objectives of the module * Introductions and interests of participants 2 CREATING EFFECTIVE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS * What is technical writing? how does it differ from other writing? * Key qualities of an effective technical document * Communication essentials and the challenges faced by technical writers * The lessons of experience: how the best writers write * The five key steps : prepare - organise - write - edit - release (POWER) 3 PREPARING TO WRITE * Defining the document aims and objectives; choosing the title * Understanding technical readers and their needs * Getting organised; planning and managing the process * Integrating technical and commercial elements * The role of intellectual property rights (IPR), eg, copyright 4 ORGANISING THE CONTENT * The vital role of structure in technical documents * Deciding what to include and how to organise the information * Categorising information: introductory, key and supporting * Tools and techniques for scoping and structuring the document * Creating and using document templates - pro's and con's 5 WRITING THE DOCUMENT * Avoiding 'blinding them with science': the qualities of clear writing * Problem words and words that confuse; building and using a glossary * Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect * Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance * Avoiding common causes of ambiguity; being concise and ensuring clarity * Using diagrams and other graphics; avoiding potential pitfalls 6 EDITING AND RELEASING THE DOCUMENT * Why editing is difficult; developing a personal editing strategy * Some useful editing tools and techniques * Key requirements for document issue and control Module 2: Creating better specifications 1 INTRODUCTION * Aims and objectives of the day * Introductions and interests of participants * The 'POWER' writing process for specifications 2 CREATING BETTER SPECIFICATIONS * The role and characteristics of an effective specification * Specifications and contracts; the legal role of specifications * Deciding how to specify; understanding functional and design requirements * Developing the specification design; applying the principles of BS 7373 * Getting organised: the key stages in compiling an effective specification 3 PREPARING TO WRITE A SPECIFICATION * Defining the scope of the specification; deciding what to include and what not * Scoping techniques: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming * The why/what/how pyramid; establishing and understanding requirements * Clarifying priorities; separating needs and desires: the MoSCoW method * Useful quantitative techniques: cost benefit analysis, QFD, Pareto analysis * Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify 4 ORGANISING THE CONTENT * The role of structure in specifications * Typical contents and layout for a specification * What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections * Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections * Detailed contents of each sub-section * Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 WRITING THE SPECIFICATION * Identifying and understanding the specification reader * Key words: will, shall, must; building and using a glossary * Writing performance targets that are clear and unambiguous * Choosing and using graphics * Exercise: writing a specification 6 EDITING AND RELEASING THE DOCUMENT * Key editing issues for specifications * Issue and control of specifications Module 3: Writing better reports 1 INTRODUCTION * Aims and objectives of the day * Introductions and interests of participants * The 'POWER' technical writing process for technical reports 2 CREATING BETTER REPORTS * What is a technical report? types and formats of report * The role and characteristics of an effective technical report * Understanding technical report readers and their needs * The commercial role and impact of technical reports * Getting organised: the key stages in compiling a technical report 3 PREPARING TO WRITE REPORTS * Agreeing the terms of reference; defining aims and objectives * Being clear about constraints; defining what is not to be included * Legal aspects and intellectual property rights (IPR) for reports * Preparing the ground; gathering information and reference documents * Keeping track of information: note making, cataloguing and cross referencing * Tools and techniques for developing a valid and convincing argument 4 ORGANISING THE CONTENT * The role of structure reviewed; some typical report structures * Who needs what: identifying the varied needs of the readership * What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections * Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections * Detailed contents of each sub-section * Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 WRITING THE REPORT * Planning the storyline: the report as a journey in understanding * Recognising assumptions about the reader; what they do and don't know * Converting complex concepts into understandable statements * Presenting technical data and its analysis; the role of graphics * Presenting the case simply whilst maintaining technical integrity * Exercise: writing a technical report 6 EDITING AND RELEASING THE REPORT * Key editing issues for technical reports * Issue and control of technical reports

This intensive one-day training programme has been developed to help those involved in producing specifications create high quality documents in an organised and effective way. The programme explains the primary purpose of specifications and the importance of understanding the context in which they are used. It focuses particularly on how to develop and structure content and write requirements that are clear and concise. The methods and techniques presented will provide a practical foundation course for those new to the topic whilst offering new insights to those with more experience. The objectives of the workshop are to: * Review and discuss the role and purpose of specifications * Present a structured approach for organising and producing specifications * Explain each of the key steps involved in creating effective specifications * Review some methods for assisting in defining requirements * Explain how to define the scope and develop the structure for a specification * Present methods to assist the writing and editing of specifications * Review how specifications should be issued and controlled 1 INTRODUCTION * Course objectives * Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 SPECIFICATIONS IN PERSPECTIVE * The role and purpose of specifications * The impact of specifications on commercial performance * The qualities of an effective specification * The five key steps of 'POWER' writing: prepare-organise-write-edit-release 3 STEP 1: PREPARING TO WRITE * Defining the purpose the specification; integrating the specification and contract * Deciding how to specify: when to specify in functional and technical terms * Getting the right people involved at the right time; engaging stakeholders * Applying procedures for writing, issuing and controlling specifications 4 STEP 2: ORGANISING THE SPECIFICATION CONTENT * Scoping the document: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming * Clarifying requirements; separating needs and desires * Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify * Useful techniques: cost benefit analysis, Pareto analysis * Deciding what goes where; typical contents and layout for a specification * Creating and using model forms: typical sections and sub sections 5 STEP 3: WRITING THE SPECIFICATION * Identifying and understanding the readers needs * Choosing and using the right words; dealing with jargon * Important words; will, shall, must; building a glossary * Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect * Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance * Avoiding common causes of ambiguity; being concise and ensuring clarity 6 STEP 4: EDITING THE SPECIFICATION * Why editing is difficult; how to develop a personal editing strategy * Key areas to review: structure, content, accuracy, clarity, style and grammar * Editing tools and techniques 7 STEP 5: RELEASING AND CONTROLLING THE SPECIFICATION * Key requirements for document issue and control * Final formatting and publication issues; document approval * Requirements management: managing revisions and changes 8 COURSE REVIEW AND ACTION PLANNING * What actions should be implemented to improve specifications? * Conclusion

All organizations have policies and procedures that guide how decisions are made and how the work is done in that organization. Professionally written policies and procedures increase organizational accountability and transparency and are fundamental to quality/standards assurance and quality improvement.

This half day course is designed to help participants who need to write or revise policies and procedures for their organisations. It will help them to develop effective structures for the writing and design and ensure that they meet key legal and good practice requirements on some of the most important policies such as health and safety, equal opportunities and financial procedures. It will also look at the process of consultation and implementation so that the policies obtain “buy-in” and commitment from staff and volunteers.

This course is for anyone wishing to understand their strengths and development areas and those who are seeking assistance to progress their careers and convey their abilities confidently.