Training module (SI): Explanatory notes and commencement history notes

In this module you will learn how to insert and update an Explanatory Note.

Tutorial

Explanatory note

To insert an Explanatory Note in your document, select Insert > Insert Explanatory Note.

This will create an empty Explanatory Note. You can then fill this in by typing in the placeholder text and adding paragraphs or lists with the Content Creation Assistant (i.e., pressing Enter).

Commencement table

To insert an Commencement table (i.e., a Commencement history note) in your document, select Insert > Insert Commencement Table.

This will create an empty Commencement table that you can fill in.

To edit the table (including both adding new rows and changing the overall styles / formatting), see the information in Inserting and managing tables, or complete Training module (SI): Working with tables.

Video

Please watch the following sections of the video linked below:

Creating an Explanatory Note (2:25)
Inserting and updating a commencement history table (4:09).

Inserting and updating Signatures is covered in a different module.

https://youtu.be/tc91pObbHM8?t=145

Further information

For further information, see:

Exercises

Getting started

Before you start the exercises, you will need a document ready and open in the Editor.

If you already have a document ready, you can move on to the exercises below.

If you don’t have a document ready, follow the steps below.

How to create a new project

Log in to the Lawmaker Training environment (link here).
From the Dashboard, create a new project. (See Creating a new project for details.)
Select the document type that you are most likely to work with. For Sub-type, select Regulations (for convenience).
Give it a memorable title such as[Your name] - Training project.
From the Project tab for your new document, select Document Actions > Import from legislation.gov.uk. (See Import legislation from www.legislation.gov.uk for details.)
Give the document a clear Version Description, e.g., the name of this Training module.
Import one of the following documents, depending on your document type:
- Northern Ireland Statutory Rules: The Horticulture Pilot Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
- Welsh Statutory Instruments: The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025
- Scottish Statutory Instruments: The Sheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (Scotland) Regulations 2025
- (UK) Statutory Instruments: The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2025
Open the new document in the Editor.

Exercise 1 - Insert an Explanatory Note

Insert an Explanatory Note in your document and fill it in with some content of your choice.

Instructions to insert an Explanatory Note

Go to the toolbar.
Select Insert > Insert Explanatory Note.
Place your cursor in the Text placeholder in the new Explanatory note.
Type your first line.
To add more content, press Enter and select to add a new paragraph or List element.
Continue until you are comfortable with drafting an Explanatory Note.

Exercise 2 - Insert a Commencement Table

Insert a Commencement Table in your document and fill it in with some content of your choice.

If you want to edit the formatting of the table (such as changing borders), see Training module (SI): Working with tables or read the detailed instructions below.

Instructions to insert a Commencement Table

Go to the toolbar.
Select Insert > Insert Commencement Table.
Fill in the table with content of your choice.
If you want to add further rows, right-click > Table… > Insert row after.
If you want to change the formatting of the table, right-click > Table… > Update Table properties.