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).
Board meetings are almost always confidential. However, it takes both legally binding nondisclosure agreements and good board policy to ensure confidentiality.
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.
Board meeting minutes are an objective record of what took place during a board meeting. The minutes are typically used for internal purposes like record-keeping and for posterity. Minutes can serve to inform future meetings and recall what was discussed, agreed upon or dismissed by a company's board members.
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.
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.
How to take minutes at meetings Find out what is required. Create a template for the minutes before the meeting. Prepare all the required materials. Note the attendance. Fill in your template. Take note of the time of adjournment. Make copies of supplementary materials. Submit the meeting minutes.
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.