The importance of taking minutes of board meetings is often overlooked. Minutes are important as they document the actions and decisions made at a meeting, or as a legal record. They also assist in enforcing the accountability of directors and corporate officers.
It is crucial that the process of creating minutes is clearly defined. Although there are a variety of different ways to make minutes, the most effective method of recording the time to create them is by using a program that permits fast and efficient recording while the board is in session. This technology can reduce the time needed to create minutes, and guarantee that all information is gathered.
The goal of minutes of meetings is to provide an objective and accurate account of the meeting, without giving opinions or expressing bias. This can be challenging when emotions are high, or the board is split. It is therefore crucial that the person who takes the minutes can separate their own thoughts and observations from the views of the other members as they record their observations.
Bowie suggests that board secretaries adhere to a consistent format when recording the minutes of meetings. This helps keep the minutes-taking process as simple as they can so website here that the board can devote more time discussing issues and responding to questions. She recommends that any changes to the minutes are clearly documented to ensure that board members see that they have been updated and reflect accurate, current information.