Annual Report: Summarising Achievements

Discover how to write an effective annual report for your student society. Learn how to summarise achievements, present financials, and support smooth committee handovers.

An Annual Report is a key document that reflects your student society’s progress, impact, and financial health over the past academic year. It’s not just a formality—it’s a powerful tool for transparency, recognition, and planning for the future.

🎯 Why Write an Annual Report?

  • Celebrate Achievements: Showcase what your society has accomplished.
  • Ensure Transparency: Share how funds were used and decisions were made.
  • Support Handovers: Help new committees understand the society’s journey.
  • Build Credibility: Demonstrate professionalism to sponsors, students, and your institution.

🧩 What to Include in an Annual Report

  1. Cover Page: Society name, logo, academic year, contact info
  2. President’s/Chair’s Message: Reflection on the year, highlights, challenges
  3. Committee Overview: Names and roles of committee members
  4. Summary of Activities: Events, campaigns, outreach, photos
  5. Achievements: Awards, growth, milestones
  6. Financial Summary: Income, expenses, balances, surplus/deficit
  7. Challenges and Lessons Learned: Honest Reflections
  8. Looking Ahead: Goals and Recommendations
  9. Appendices: Financial breakdowns, feedback, policy updates

📄 Tips for Writing

  • Keep it clear and concise—use bullet points and headings.
  • Use visuals like charts or photos to make it engaging.
  • Be honest about challenges—this helps future committees learn.
  • Save it as a PDF and share it with members, the SU Experience Team, and online.