Producing a Research Findings document
The Research Findings document (usually 4 pages in length) provides a summary of the research project and highlights the key messages from the project. It is a stand-alone document, although it complements the project's final report. There are two key sections to the document:
Front page - Main findings
The front page comprises a short paragraph which should set the context for the research and 8-10 bullet points on the main findings of the research. Where possible these bullets should be a clear statement of the main findings expressed in a way which will be of interest to policymakers. When drafting the main findings page consider your audience - who are they and what do they most need to know about what you have learned? You should not attempt to produce definitive recommendations from research that does not offer such recommendations.
Summary of findings
The remaining part of the Research Findings is a summary of your research. These are your findings condensed to serve the needs of the policymaker / decision maker, who will want to know quickly whether the main report is likely to be useful. Each section of the paper must have a short explanatory heading. Start by outlining the issues you were looking at, then (very briefly) state the aims and objectives of the research and how you carried it out. Concentrate on getting the essence of your research across and summarise your findings clearly and succinctly. Where possible the Findings should highlight what particular contribution / added value the research has made to evidence / practice.