Minister briefings Task

Assume that ministers require briefing for all meetings, visits and engagements unless told otherwise by Private Office.

Briefings prepare ministers for meetings or engagements. They cover:

information on who they will be meeting

• the issues to be discussed
• how to deal with any sensitive matters that might be raised

Make your briefing concise, clear and easy to absorb. Ministers have extremely busy schedules with many meetings and visits; they may see your briefing for the first time during the meeting itself.

Remember:

• give key objectives: what are we trying to achieve, what meeting attendees hope to achieve and ACME’s position
• include an agenda for focus and efficient use of time: agree items with external attendees and plan enough time to cover them
• provide brief background information on attendees (role, position on issues, relevant past activities)
• if the minister’s making an announcement or media will be present, ask Press Office for a Media Handling section, and copy in a press officer on the final circulated briefing draft
• send an electronic version of the briefing to the ministerial mailbox two days before the meeting or visit and two flagged hard copies to Private Office.