Put the main items at the top of the agenda and make clear what is for decision, discussion or information only.
In a cultural organisation an artistic/curatorial report should be placed at the front of the agenda rather than tucked down among less relevant matters.
Timings per item can be helpful but rely on good chairing to maintain them.
Assume that board members have read the papers in advance – when discussing pre-circulated papers only highlight the essential points.
This means that board papers need to be circulated at least a week in advance and in a format that is suitable for each member.
Only circulate papers at a meeting in an emergency.
Reserves - the funds a charity keeps in reserve - can strengthen a charity’s resilience against, for example, drops in income or the demands of a new project. Find out what charity reserves are and how to develop and report on a charity's reserves policy.
The best strategy to avoiding problems is being aware of how things could go wrong, taking steps to avoid issues and knowing what steps you would take if something did happen. Awareness and prevention are better than a cure. The AoC provides some useful resources for charity boards you can use.
This guidance provides a model role description for a charity secretary of the board that a charity of any size can adapt for their own organisation’s needs.
The Board Secretary’s Handbook tells you what a board secretary is and why you need one. It explains the roles, duties and responsibilities depending on your organisation.
This resource is aimed at supporting charities to ensure the proper procedures and policies are in place to manage the charity’s resources effectively and, where appropriate, to make changes to their charity. Published: 2014.
A feedback statement from members of ICSA on handling minutes.