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.
There is no general requirement that board minutes be public – though some countries have laws that they must be available to members. However, not-for-profit organisations earn trust by being open about how they handle the public trust that has been granted to them.
The format for a meeting depends on the meeting type and style. While there is no set format for meeting minutes, templates provide guidelines for essential information that should be included in your documentation.
Minutes, papers, agendas should be public and meetings should have a portion of the session for confidential matters e.g. financial, HR, crisis management etc., to be discussed in private, either before or after the open session. Confidential matters and papers are still confidential.
Are board meeting minutes confidential? Yes. The board should assume the minutes are confidential and, in most cases, they will remain so. They should also realise that, sooner or later, the minutes may be available as part of a legal case.
Minutes may vary slightly depending on the state and the organization, but they typically include: 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.
Meeting minutes don't need to capture discussions word by word, but they should effectively summarize key items and decisions to provide a clear and concise record of the meeting. Know that it's perfectly acceptable to write “a discussion of the options ensued.” If you need clarification on anything, be sure to ask.
Alternatively, you can also browse the templates available under the "Meeting Minutes" category. Select a template: Choose a template that suits your needs and click on it to open it in Word. Customize the template: Fill in the necessary details such as the meeting date, time, location, attendees, and agenda items.
What Should Be Included in Meeting Minutes? Date and time of the meeting. Names of the meeting participants and those unable to attend (e.g., “regrets”) Acceptance or corrections/amendments to previous meeting minutes. Decisions made about each agenda item, for example: Actions taken or agreed to be taken. Next steps.