1. Describe the work in concrete terms
Record the date, location or scope, responsible team and actual action. An environmental intention becomes clearer when it identifies the material, process and person keeping the record.
For collaborative work, distinguish the company's contribution from the partner's delivery and shared decisions. Confirm permission for names and logos instead of treating one collaboration as broad endorsement.
2. Separate inputs, completed work and observations
Time, materials and funds are inputs; completed tasks are outputs. Community or environmental effects need suitable supporting information. Separate columns prevent a donated quantity from becoming an assumed beneficiary outcome.
Keep the date, method and owner of existing records. Where reliable measurement is absent, describe the work itself rather than turning an estimate into a verified carbon, health or long-term impact claim.
3. Protect participants and service users
Decide whether a personal story needs to be public before seeking appropriate understanding and consent. Treat names, images, quotations and contact information separately, with particular care around children and vulnerable circumstances.
Consider documenting processes, materials and team preparation instead of using someone's difficulties to attract attention. If suitable consent is unavailable, explain the workflow without identifying the person.
4. State the limits of the record
Explain the period, sources and missing follow-up. If delivery is confirmed but later use is unknown, retain that distinction in the limitations field.
When a partner supplies figures, preserve the source and original scope. Do not attribute the outcome of an entire programme to your contribution alone. Return to the same source when updating the record.
5. Turn reflection into an arrangement
Ask colleagues for one effective practice and one process to improve, then assign an owner and date. Earlier confirmation of material needs or a better handover record can become a practical next step.
A public update can follow three parts: the action, the record and the next improvement. Connect each part to existing information so continuity is visible without overstating the result.
A worksheet you can copy
| Field | What to record | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Date, scope, owner and actual work | Can a reader understand the method? |
| Inputs | Time, materials or funds and their source | Are inputs being called impact? |
| Completed work | Delivery and how it was confirmed | Who confirmed it and when? |
| Observations and limits | Supported changes and untracked areas | Has a partner's total been misattributed? |
| Sharing and improvement | Permission scope, next action and owner | Are people protected and follow-up assigned? |
Before sharing
- Dates and scope are clear
- Inputs, outputs and effects are separate
- Partner roles and figures are traceable
- Public material has suitable permission
- An owner will carry out the improvement
Common questions
Is a small action worth describing?
Yes. A specific method, record and improvement can be useful without exaggerating the scale of impact.
Can a partner's beneficiary total be counted as our result?
Check whether it covers the full programme or a specific task. Attribute the source and relationship rather than assigning the entire result to one contribution.
Official reference and year
These guides provide original preparation methods. The 2026 material is a historical reference; formal 2027 requirements depend on the relevant edition's announcements. The worksheets do not replace official rules, eligibility decisions or professional advice.
- Awards and judging: 2026 edition reference — checked 2026-11-01
