update pull request template

.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md

@@ -1,28 +1,29 @@
-#### Includes new or updated dependencies?
+### Purpose and background context
+Describe the overall purpose of the PR changes and any useful background context.
 
-YES | NO
+### How can a reviewer manually see the effects of these changes?
+Explain how to see the proposed changes in the application if possible.
 
-#### Changes expectations for external applications?
+Delete this section if it isn't applicable to the PR.
 
+### Includes new or updated dependencies?
 YES | NO
 
-#### Developer
+### Changes expectations for external applications?
+YES | NO
 
+### What are the relevant tickets?
+- Include links to Jira Software and/or Jira Service Management tickets here.
+
+### Developer
 - [ ] All new ENV is documented in README
 - [ ] All new ENV has been added to staging and production environments
 - [ ] All related Jira tickets are linked in commit message(s)
+- [ ] Stakeholder approval has been confirmed (or is not needed)
 
-#### How can a reviewer manually see the effects of these changes?
-
-Explain how to see the proposed changes in the application.
-
-Delete this section if it isn't applicable to the PR.
-
-#### Code Reviewer
-
-- [ ] The commit message is clear and follows our guidelines
-      (not just this pull request message)
+### Code Reviewer(s)
+- [ ] The commit message is clear and follows our guidelines (not just this PR message)
 - [ ] There are appropriate tests covering any new functionality
-- [ ] The documentation has been updated or is unnecessary
-- [ ] The changes have been verified
+- [ ] The provided documentation is sufficient for understanding any new functionality introduced
+- [ ] Any manual tests have been performed **or** provided examples verified
 - [ ] New dependencies are appropriate or there were no changes