Documenting what you discussed during a meeting is an integral part of proper record keeping. For both formal organizations and community-led groups, meeting minutes ensure there is written evidence of conversations and decisions that can be referred to later.
In this article, we'll explore what meeting minutes are, what to include in them, and provide templates so that you can create your own.
We'll also share how you can write cambodia phone number data your meeting minutes using a document editor that lets you store and share them securely and ensures no one can access them without your permission.
What are meeting minutes?
Meeting minutes, also known as minutes of meeting, are a written record of a meeting or hearing. They provide a structured summary of the key points discussed, decisions made, and action items assigned.
Keeping minutes of a meeting ensures that there is a single formal record of a discussion that all concerned parties can refer to. They can serve as a reference for future meetings, helping to revisit and recall what you previously discussed.
These documents are commonly used by organizations that need to maintain accountability for their actions, such as legal entities, medical boards, and similar bodies. Boards of directors, for example, use meeting minutes to document resolutions, votes, and decisions made during a board meeting.
While meeting minutes are usually created to serve as an aid within an organization, a court may order an organization to hand over meeting minutes as evidence in a lawsuit . In some cases, the absence of meeting minutes can act as proof that a meeting did not occur at all.
They're not strictly for political or professional organizations. Any group that has multiple stakeholders and needs to coordinate over time should consider keeping minutes of their meetings, including neighborhood watch groups, homeowner associations, amateur sports leagues, hobby groups, or spiritual committees.
There is no single minutes of meeting format. However, most follow a similar structure. An effective meeting minute document clearly itemsizes essential context and information so even someone who did not attend the discussion can understand what occurred. Here are some sections to include:
Basic information: Start with the date, time, and location of the meeting. Also include the names of attendees and, if notable, absentees.
Agenda items: List all the topics discussed during the meeting in the order that they were addressed. This creates a clear structure for your minutes.