Programme pause / close decision brief
A decision brief with a clear recommendation and self-critique.
This one needs human approval before use — got it?
High-risk prompt: touches sensitive areas. Always have a human review the output before you use it. How to use AI responsibly →
When to use
When a programme is consistently below plan and the honest conversation is due. Use data only — never named participants.
Prompt template
Produce a decision brief on whether to pause or close {PROGRAMME}. Data: {ANONYMISED_DATA}. Assess: are we serving the intended participants, are we achieving outcomes, is the unit cost sustainable, is there a mission cost of continuing, is there a mission cost of closing. Recommend: continue as-is / refocus / pause / close. Give the strongest counter-argument to your own recommendation.Replace each highlighted placeholder with real context. Keep names and safeguarding details out.
When to use this prompt
Reach for this prompt when you need to a decision brief with a clear recommendation and self-critique. It's designed for Programme lead, CEO. Typically used within Evaluation work.
Not suitable for real-time decisions about individuals, safeguarding cases, or public claims without human sign-off.
How to use it
- 1
Gather your inputs
Have your local context, audience and goal to hand. - 2
Fill in the highlighted placeholders
Copy the template above and replace every highlighted placeholder with real, local context. - 3
Run it in your AI tool
Paste into your preferred AI assistant. Ask a follow-up if the output misses your association's tone. - 4
Work through the checklist
Tick every item before you send, publish or act on the output.
Why this prompt works
Forces an honest look at underperforming programmes before sunk cost takes over.
Worked example
Data: 18 months, 40% enrolment vs plan, outcome achievement 30%
What good output looks like
A decision brief with recommendation and self-critique.
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