Form with which the board of directors of a corporation records the contents of its first meeting.
Form with which the board of directors of a corporation records the contents of its first meeting.
Approve the minutes: Once corrections are complete, the chair asks for a motion to approve the minutes. One member makes the motion, a second member approves it, and the chair calls for a vote. The approval of meeting minutes goes through with a majority vote.
The company must also ensure that the minutes of a directors' meeting are signed by the chair of the meeting (or the chair of the next meeting) within a reasonable time. If minutes are recorded and signed in this way, they are evidence of the proceedings and resolutions passed, unless the contrary is proved.
Robert's Rules (Section -16) state that “the minutes should contain mainly a record of what was done at the meeting, not what was said by the members.” Minutes are not transcripts of meetings; rather, the document contains a record of actions taken by the body, organized by the meeting's order of business (agenda).
Approve the minutes: Once corrections are complete, the chair asks for a motion to approve the minutes. One member makes the motion, a second member approves it, and the chair calls for a vote. The approval of meeting minutes goes through with a majority vote.
In most cases, the meeting secretary will sign the approved copy of the minutes, while some boards require all present board members to sign the approved minutes.
Understand who can access minutes: In many cases, meeting minutes are considered public records, which means others can view them. Make sure you understand who can view the meeting notes, and keep that audience in mind when deciding what information to include.
Note that minutes of meetings and accompanying documentation can be requested under FIPPA, and with few exceptions, access to these records may be granted. Therefore, in creating your minutes be mindful that they may be made accessible beyond the original audience.
There are three standard styles of minutes: action, discussion, and verbatim. Each style has a specific use. Action minutes record the decisions reached and the actions to be taken, though not recording the discussion that went into making the decisions. This is the most common form of minutes used.
What information do board meeting minutes contain? Meeting date, time and location. Type of meeting. Names and titles of attendees and guests. Any absent board directors. Quorum. Notes about directors who left early or re-entered the meeting. Board approvals, resolutions and acceptance of reports. Overview of discussions.
Helpful Tips for Taking Board Meeting Minutes Use a template. Check off attendees as they arrive. Do introductions or circulate an attendance list. Record motions, actions, and decisions as they occur. Ask for clarification as necessary. Write clear, brief notes rather than full sentences or verbatim wording.