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ABBY ETIQUETTE AND CAREER PURSUIT
CABINET MEMORANDUM
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1. A Memorandum intended for consideration by the Cabinet
must be signed by the Minister concerned and submitted in
original to reach the Secretary to the Cabinet at least seven
clear days before the meeting at which it is to be considered.

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2. A Memorandum for the Cabinet should be as brief and as clear as
possible, and written on foolscap size paper, and on one side
only. The model memorandum explains at the outset what the
problem is, indicates briefly the relevant considerations and
concludes with a precise statement of the decision sought.

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3. Whenever other Ministries have been consulted a note to this
effect should be made at the end of the memorandum, and it
should be made clear whether those consulted are in
agreement with the view expressed, the extent to which those
consulted are in agreement with the view expressed, and if not,
the extend to which they differ.

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4. Where a memorandum proposes a new project or legislation having
implications in terms of manpower and administrative capacity, the
memorandum should clearly describe these implications and state
whether the necessary resources are available. It will be necessary
not only to show the manpower and administrative requirements for
the development of the projects, but also to set out the subsequent
permanent requirements for the maintenance and operation of it after
it has been established.

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5. While it is sometimes useful to include a summary of the main
points brought out in the body of the memorandum, such a
summary should not exceed a paragraph. To facilitate reference in
discussion, paragraphs should be numbered. Supporting data and
other details should be provided in an appendix. If it is desired to
seek the authority of the Cabinet to make a public statement, a draft
should be attached.

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6. When a memorandum is proposing introduction of legislation or
amendment of an existing legislation, a draft Bill should be attached.
7. Time spent in making a memorandum short and clear will be saved
many times over in reading and in discussion, and it is the duty of
Ministers personally to examine all memoranda before their
submission to the Cabinet.

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STRUCTURE OF A CABINET MEMORANDUM
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OBJECTIVE OF THE MEMORANDUM
Under this sub-head, the
memorandum explains clearly and
concisely the purpose of the
Memorandum.

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THE BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
Under this sub-head, the memorandum
provides a summary of the historical overview
or development of the issue under discussion,
including the legal basis for the subject. The
information should be presented clearly and
sequentially to avoid ambiguities.

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ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
Under this sub-head, the
Memorandum provides a clear
analysis of the problem and related
issues and any actions taken in
resolving it.

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OPTIONS ON THE WAY FORWARD
Under this sub-head, the
Memorandum presents a clear
identification of the preferred options
for dealing with problem.

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FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Under this sub-head the Memorandum
provides a clear statement on the
financial implications, if any, and
recommendations on how the finances
are to be provided.
However, if substantial financing will be
required from the Treasury, the
implementing Ministry will be expected
to consult with the Ministry of Finance
before the matter is submitted to the
Cabinet.

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RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CABINET
Under this sub-head, the
Memorandum provides a precise
statement of the decision sought from
the Cabinet, and where appropriate,
apportions responsibilities to the
implementing Ministers.

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CONCLUSION
The proposed format for preparation of
Cabinet Memoranda underscores the
need for Memoranda to be brief, but as
clear and concise as possible. In this
respect, the average Memorandum
should not exceed four (4) pages.