For nonprofit boards trying to be good at what they do, crafting effective board of director minutes is a crucial task. It ensures that all stakeholders can observe how the board is working towards its goals, and provides an accountability mechanism for members and helps hold the organization accountable to funders.

The format of meeting minutes can be an art form, and can differ among organizations. There are a few key elements that should be included in every meeting’s minutes. These include:

A brief summary of the main subjects which were discussed and the final decisions which were made. The ideal scenario is that the board secretary will record the results of the votes (i.e., an action was passed or not), and the rationale behind each vote. This will enable the board to create an official record in the event of a legal case.

The minutes should www.dataroomdemo.net/a-guide-to-crafting-effective-board-of-directors-minutes state clearly if the board decides that the committee will be established to examine a particular issue or transaction. The minutes should also include the percentage of people present that constitute a group of a quorum. The minutes should specify whether the committee will have full authority or will make a recommendation that requires board approval.

The person who records the minutes must be neutral. This is especially crucial in the context of legal proceedings, since the minutes are often sought out and used to judge the actions of an organization. It is also beneficial to have a third party who is independent read the minutes to ensure that they are correct and impartial.