Build your case
Chronology & decision log.
Turn months of emails, meetings and decisions into a sequence another person can understand without reading the entire case file first.
A4 printable worksheet. The PDF is a practical working tool; keep this web page for guidance and source links.
1. Ground rules
Do
- Use exact dates where known.
- Identify the organisation or person responsible for the action.
- Reference the document that supports the entry.
- Record the actual decision and any deadline separately.
- Use neutral wording for disputed events.
Avoid
- Turning every row into a paragraph of argument.
- Writing “they ignored me” where the record only shows no reply by a certain date.
- Mixing several months into one entry.
- Removing events that do not support your preferred outcome.
2. Main chronology
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to see all columns. Keyboard: focus the table area and use the left and right arrow keys.
| Date | Event / communication | Organisation / person | Evidence ref | Decision / action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3. Decision & deadline log
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to see all columns. Keyboard: focus the table area and use the left and right arrow keys.
| Decision | Date received | Decision-maker | Reason given | Deadline / next step | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4. Where records conflict
Do not silently choose the version you prefer. Put the conflict on the page.
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to see all columns. Keyboard: focus the table area and use the left and right arrow keys.
| Point | Source A says | Source B says | Can it be resolved? | How will we describe it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5. Turning points
Which three events most changed the position?
Examples: a refusal, new professional evidence, a review decision, a missed deadline, a change in provision.
6. Current position today
What is agreed?
What remains disputed or unanswered?
What is the next decision required, and by whom?
Use this with