A board meeting is a formal gathering of the board of directors of an organization. These meetings are held at regular intervals or as needed, at the call of the chair, to discuss and make decisions on major issues, review performance, consider policy matters, and fulfill the legal duties of the board.

Rules and procedures

Board meetings typically follow a set of rules and procedures (sometimes called bylaws) to ensure they are conducted efficiently and fairly. Here are some terms and practices you will often encounter in board meetings:

Quorum

A quorum, the minimum number of members required to be present for the meeting to be valid, must be established before any official business can be conducted.

Agenda

An agenda is prepared and distributed before the meeting. It outlines the topics to be discussed and helps keep the meeting on track.

Motions

Members propose actions or decisions through motions. A motion must be seconded by another member before it can be discussed and voted on.

Voting

Decisions are made by voting. The type of vote (e.g., majority, two-thirds) required for a motion to pass is usually specified in the organization's bylaws.

Minutes

Minutes are recorded to document the proceedings and decisions made during the meeting. These are usually reviewed and approved at the next meeting.

Debate and Discussion

Members have the right to discuss and debate motions. Personal remarks are out of order, and only one person may speak at a time

Points of Order

Members can raise points of order if they believe the rules are being violated. The chairperson addresses these points to maintain order

Committees

Certain matters may be referred to committees for further investigation and reporting back to the board

Adjournment

The meeting is formally closed by a motion to adjourn, which must be seconded and voted on

• Quorum
  

  A quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting for the proceedings to be considered valid. This ensures that decisions... Read more

• Consent agenda
  

  A consent agenda is a meeting management tool used to streamline the approval of routine, non-controversial items. Instead of voting... Read more

• Motions
  

  A motion in a board meeting is a formal proposal made by a member of the board, suggesting that the board take a specific action ... Read more

• Point of order
  

  A point of order is a procedural mechanism used during board meetings to address any breaches of rules, improper procedures, ... Read more