From Data to Decisions: Professional Report Writing

Self-Study Certificate Course

Turning Data Into Decisions

Reports can turn complex data into actionable insights that support decision-making and M&E. Yet too often, they fail to drive meaningful action. When reporting falls short, you face:

• Overwhelm when facing mountains of data without clear structure
• Critical insights buried in lengthy documents no one reads
• Outcomes and lessons learned not captured systematically
• Donor concerns about progress and achievements
• Communities affected when decisions aren't grounded in evidence

This course delivers a proven system to transform overwhelming data into clear, structured reports that drive M&E and inform decisions.

With a systematic approach to reporting, you can:

• Manage complex reports without deadline stress
• Deliver reports that demonstrate project achievements and progress
• Enhance M&E by measuring progress, capturing lessons, and recommending action
• Build donor confidence through transparent, professional documentation
• Support strategic decision-making across all levels

Who This Is For

This training is for people working in relief, development, or humanitarian contexts aiming to strengthen their reporting and communication skills. It's ideal for:

• Project managers and officers responsible for documenting progress and results
• Monitoring and evaluation specialists seeking to enhance report clarity and impact
• Team members drafting, reviewing, or contributing to complex reports
• Field staff who need to communicate findings effectively
• Anyone seeking to improve their professional writing for strategic communication

No prior experience needed—the course delivers clear, practical guidance for newcomers while providing strategic insights and advanced applications for seasoned practitioners.

How You'll Learn

This course offers a self-paced, practical learning experience, combining study materials, reflections, exercises, and end-of-module assessments. Designed around the real-world challenges faced by humanitarian and development professionals, the course encourages you to pause, reflect, and actively develop skills you can confidently apply to your own context as you learn.

Flexible self-study Access practical downloadable video presentations, transcripts, handouts, exercises, templates and tasks, allowing you to learn and apply skills at your own pace.

Knowledge checks Assessments at the end of each module test your understanding, reinforce learning, and help you reflect on key concepts.

Course Discussion Forum Share questions, insights, and challenges with peers. Instructor Neil Kendrick monitors and responds regularly to support your progress.

Certificate of completion Successfully complete all modules and assessments to receive your certificate.

Impact Stories

9.2/10 Rating (based on 61 reviews)

"I have started to apply the skills I gained from the online training almost immediately. I found the course to be highly relevant and eye-opening. I would recommend the course to anyone who has to prepare written reports in their work." — Haifa Naeem, Consultant, Anti-Corruption Commission, Maldives

"The practical tools and techniques, such as Mind mapping and the Fog index tool, have been invaluable. The emphasis on clear and concise writing has significantly improved my ability to create impactful written content." — Yussuf Badel, Development Professional

"I've learnt what I needed. I have a better understanding of the principles of professional writing and the writing process. If I had learned this earlier, I would have written better reports!" — Florence Naluyinda-Kitabire, Public Health Consultant, Uganda

Course Details

Includes:

• Lifetime access to comprehensive modules with downloadable videos, handouts, and transcripts
• Practical templates and planning tools for immediate application
• End-of-module assessments and certificate of completion
• Course discussion forum to share insights and questions with peers

Course developed and presented by Neil Kendrick, founder of ELD Impact, with 25+ years of experience training humanitarian professionals across 20+ countries.