What are in 'the minutes' of a meeting? Clue: it's nothing to do with time.

The 'minutes' of a meeting serve as an official record of what transpired during the meeting. They capture key information and decisions to provide a clear and accurate account of the proceedings. While in some places, the term 'protocol' is used instead of ?'minutes', 'protocol' usually refers to a broader set of guidelines and procedures for the meeting to follow.

Here's a general guide on what should be recorded in the minutes of a meeting:

1. Meeting details

• Date, time, and location of the meeting.
• List of attendees, including names and titles.

?2. Approval of Previous Minutes:

• ?A brief review or summary of the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Any corrections or amendments made to the previous minutes.
• Formal approval of the previous minutes.

?3. Agenda Items:

• List of agenda items in the order they were addressed.
• Detailed discussion points and presentations.

?4. Decisions and Action Items:?

• Clear documentation of decisions made during the meeting.
• Action items assigned to specific individuals, including deadlines.
• Responsibilities and next steps.

?5. Voting Record (where relevant):

• Record of any votes taken during the meeting.
• Specify the outcomes of the votes.

?6. Reports and Presentations:

• Summaries of reports or presentations given during the meeting.
• Key points discussed and relevant details.

7. Open Discussions:

• ?Highlights of any significant discussions or debates.
• Points of agreement or disagreement among participants.

8. Motions and Resolutions:

• ?Any formal motions or resolutions made and their outcomes.
• The names of individuals making the motions or resolutions.

9. Announcements:

• Important announcements made during the meeting.
• Any information relevant to the participants.

10. Next Meeting Details:

• ?Proposed date, time, and location of the next meeting.
• Any specific agenda items for the next meeting.

11. Adjournment Time:

• Record the time when the meeting officially adjourned.

?12. Other Business:

• Any additional items discussed under "Other Business" not originally on the agenda.

13. Attachments and Supporting Documents:

• Reference to any documents or materials presented during the meeting.
• Attach relevant documents or provide links for easy reference.

?14. Signature and Date:

• Signature of the person responsible for preparing the minutes.
• Date of the minutes.

Keep in mind that the level of detail in the minutes may vary depending on the organization's preferences and the nature of the meeting. The goal is to capture enough information to provide a comprehensive and accurate record without being overly detailed. Minutes should be clear, concise, and objective.