diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 1cea95c461a..7409260f97b 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,9 +1,40 @@
-[A clear and concise description of what the pull request is for along with a reference to the associated issue IDs, if they exist.]
+**INSERT HERE** a clear and concise description of what the pull request is for along with a reference to the associated issue IDs, if they exist.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]  
+> Base your changes on `2.x` branch if you are targeting Log4j 2; use `main` otherwise.
 
 ## Checklist
 
-* Base your changes on `2.x` branch if you are targeting Log4j 2; use `main` otherwise
-* `./mvnw verify` succeeds (if it fails due to code formatting issues reported by Spotless, simply run `./mvnw spotless:apply` and retry)
-* Non-trivial changes contain an entry file in the `src/changelog/.2.x.x` directory
-* Tests for the changes are provided
-* [Commits are signed](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/signing-commits) (optional, but highly recommended)
+Before we can review and merge your changes, please go through the checklist below. If you're still working on some items, feel free to submit your pull request as a draft—our CI will help guide you through the remaining steps.
+
+### ✅ Required checks
+
+- [ ] **License**: I confirm that my changes are submitted under the [Apache License, Version 2.0](https://apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0).
+- [ ] **Commit signatures**: All commits are signed and verifiable. (See [GitHub Docs on Commit Signature Verification](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/about-commit-signature-verification)).
+- [ ] **Code formatting**: The code is formatted according to the project’s style guide.
+  <details>
+    <summary>How to check and fix formatting</summary>
+
+    - To **check** formatting: `./mvnw spotless:check`
+    - To **fix** formatting: `./mvnw spotless:apply`
+
+    See [the build instructions](https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/development.html#building) for details.
+  </details>
+- [ ] **Build & Test**: I verified that the project builds and all unit tests pass.
+  <details>
+    <summary>How to build the project</summary>
+
+    Run: `./mvnw verify`
+
+    See [the build instructions](https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/development.html#building) for details.
+  </details>
+
+### 🧪 Tests (select one)
+
+- [ ] I have added or updated tests to cover my changes.
+- [ ] No additional tests are needed for this change.
+
+### 📝 Changelog (select one)
+
+- [ ] I added a changelog entry in `src/changelog/.2.x.x`. (See [Changelog Entry File Guide](https://logging.apache.org/log4j/tools/log4j-changelog.html#changelog-entry-file)).
+- [ ] This is a trivial change and does not require a changelog entry.
diff --git a/README.adoc b/README.adoc
index 9fd8d827991..d7d9bd39f6d 100644
--- a/README.adoc
+++ b/README.adoc
@@ -21,3 +21,9 @@ https://github.com/apache/logging-log4j2/security/code-scanning[image:https://gi
 
 Apache Log4j is a versatile, industrial-grade Java logging framework composed of an API, its implementation,  and components to assist the deployment for various use cases.
 For further information (support, download, etc.) see https://logging.apache.org/log4j[the project website].
+
+[#development]
+== Development
+
+Looking for *build instructions*, branching scheme, and other developer resources?
+See https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/development.html[the Development page] at the website.
diff --git a/src/site/antora/modules/ROOT/pages/development.adoc b/src/site/antora/modules/ROOT/pages/development.adoc
index edc861ede6b..9c35dd393ae 100644
--- a/src/site/antora/modules/ROOT/pages/development.adoc
+++ b/src/site/antora/modules/ROOT/pages/development.adoc
@@ -83,12 +83,10 @@ Pitch it in a {logging-services-url}/support.html#discussions-maintainer[maintai
 [#committer]
 == I am a committer. How shall I push my changes?
 
-. Is it something trivial?
-Go ahead and push it.
+As per https://lists.apache.org/thread/rx2hgc5mwql06yzwz2j8wkp8z6nmdcqk[the PMC resolution on 2025-04-10], all changes must be submitted in a pull request and undergo peer review.
+
+Make sure a changelog entry is attached, and `./mvnw verify site` succeeds.
 
-. Otherwise, submit a pull request.
-Make sure a changelog entry is attached and `./mvnw verify site` succeeds.
-+
 [TIP]
 ====
 You are strongly advised to spar with another maintainer first (see {logging-services-url}/support.html#discussions-maintainer[maintainer discussion channels]) before starting to code.