What's an Action?
Actions are the things you do, or things someone else does, to try to resolve your problem. The main purpose of the Tracker tool is to give you a way of recording these actions.
An action may be a phone call, or a visit, or a letter (or email) you have received or sent. It is important that you keep a log of these actions to record:
- who you spoke to;
- the date you spoke to them, and if necessary the time
- and what was said.
Why
It's important to keep a record because otherwise you will forget the details. If you need to chase them you will need their name and details like their phone number. They may deny that you spoke to them but if you have a clear record it will help you win the argument. Finally, if you need to go to an advice agency or lawyer for further help, they will need the details of what you have done so far.
Recording actions
You need to record - who you spoke to; when it was; what was said.
If you are making a note of a letter you have sent or received, just log who it is from and the date - and you can summarise the main points very briefly if you like.
Keep a copy of the letter somewhere safe! It's best to buy a ring binder or folder and use it to keep all your paperwork together.
If you are logging a conversation either over the phone, or in person, don't try to note every word that was said - just make a note of the main points. In particular, make a note of what you each said you would do and of any agreement that was made.
It can be hard to do this, particularly for a long conversation, and sometimes it isn't very clear what has been agreed. At the end of the conversation it is a very good idea to get them to say back to you what they think has been agreed.
For example
"OK so just say again what you're going to do."
Or
"OK let me get this straight, you're going to contact the owner and get him to sign a cheque - and you're going to call me back on Monday before noon."
You can then write down what has been agreed.
