Creating an effective board meeting agenda is the first step to successful meetings. But the agenda for a board meeting isn’t a rigid document that stays the same each time. Instead, you can use the agenda for meetings as a tool that lets you to adjust how you run your meetings in order to maximize the value you get from your board members.
The agenda for the board meeting must clearly state the purpose of the meeting in order to ensure that there is no waste of time and ensure that all relevant topics are covered. The agenda should also list the required and optional attendees so that they can make arrangements accordingly. It is suggested that the agenda be distributed to board members before the date of the meeting to give them time to read the agenda and prepare for the meeting.
It is crucial to include a section on the agenda of the board meeting to discuss new business in order that board members can raise any concerns or issues that weren’t discussed at the previous meeting. The old business section lets board members review any unresolved issues and decide what they should do in response to the issues. It is also helpful to have a committee reports section on the board meeting agenda to allow the board to benefit from the insights of various committees on particular aspects of their work.
Finally, the last item of the agenda for board meetings is a chance for the Board to discuss any items not on the Consent Agenda and to formally accept the minutes of the meeting. This will help to avoid any discrepancies in minutes of the meeting and help ensure the accountability.