Free Board Meeting Agenda Templates (Word, PDF)
BusinessTemplates
FAQ
How do I decide which agenda items should be marked as ‘old business’ versus ‘new business’?
‘Old business’ covers follow-ups on decisions, action items, or discussions from previous meetings that still require resolution. ‘New business’ introduces fresh topics, like policy changes or new initiatives. Review past meeting minutes to identify unresolved items—anything unresolved goes under ‘old business,’ while anything brand new belongs in the latter section.
Should I include a ‘timekeeper’ role in the agenda if my board meetings tend to run long?
Yes, assigning a timekeeper—often the board secretary or a designated member—helps keep discussions on track. Add a brief note in the agenda under ‘Special Instructions’ to remind everyone to yield time if discussions exceed allocated slots. This prevents derailment and ensures all key topics are covered.
What’s the best way to handle confidential or sensitive topics during a board meeting?
Schedule sensitive discussions as a separate, closed session at the end of the agenda, clearly labeled ‘Executive Session.’ Only include board members with a need-to-know, and document decisions separately from public minutes. These templates don’t provide legal guidance, so consult governance policies for compliance.
Comments
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts and leave a comment on this resource.
