Board Meetings

In the governance structure of a higher education establishment, committees are essential for feeding into the council and advising on its key responsibilities. To do so, bodies such as the audit and risk committee, strategy and investment committee and ethics and values committee must bring together experts in their field to discuss, debate and make decisions based on the most pressing issues within their remit. They then help the council put in place policies, procedures and strategies to drive the institution forwards.  This requires a robust meeting procedure that begins with a clear and focused agenda, continues through an expertly...

Effecting change in an organisation is essential for driving the business forwards and future-proofing operations. But each time you introduce new features, processes and ways of thinking, there is also the risk that these changes will cause disruption and negatively affect your output.  A recent survey found that only 43% of employees believe that their business is good at managing change. The consequences of this can include a reduction in business performance and employee engagement.  This is where the change advisory board (CAB) comes into play. The CAB coordinates and oversees the process of implementing change in a manner that...

In recent years, workplaces have embraced digital tools more than ever. Advances in technology and the rise of remote work have pushed businesses to go digital. This change has particularly affected how we hold meetings.  Digital tools have the potential to revolutionise meetings, boosting productivity and flexibility. However, the reality is that a significant number of boards have not adopted such solutions. For example, iBabs’ State of Meeting Management report found that only 43% of participants in board meetings used document management systems and even fewer, 29%, used board portals.  Electronic note taking is an integral part of meeting documentation....

Meetings are the catalyst for strategic planning and transformative decision-making. However, their true productivity hinges on the accuracy of minutes — a detailed account of what happened. Meeting minutes serve as the official record of decisions made and actions approved and assigned. They are a crucial reference point for all participants. When taken accurately, these records ensure clarity and accountability. They prevent misunderstandings and keep businesses aligned with their goals. Optimising minute taking empowers organisations to make informed decisions. Without precision, you increase the risk of losing valuable insights and derailing projects. This article shares meeting minutes best practices to...

With more than a fifth (22%) of respondents to iBabs’ State of Meeting Management 2024 survey confirming they spend more than half their working week in meetings, it is important that these meetings prove worthwhile. Yet, only 51% of participants claimed to be satisfied with the way meetings ran in their organisation.  Unfortunately, the individuals in important positions on executive teams are likely to be those who spend the most time around the table, and the results of our report show that many companies might not be making the most of their top talent when it comes to meeting outcomes. ...

The iBabs State of Meeting Management 2024 report found that only around half (51%) of meeting participants were satisfied with the way in which their company organised and ran its meetings. This suggests that there is a case for organisations to improve such processes as preparing agendas, tracking action points and creating effective and transparent voting procedures.  And voting is particularly important in the boardroom, where directors make decisions regarding the strategic direction of the business and how to navigate through volatile conditions to reach its goals. Establishing a robust board meeting voting protocol is key to creating the right...

The non-profit sector is one of the best performing for taking meeting minutes. In our State of Meeting Management 2024 report, 86% of meeting participants from non-profits confirmed that someone minuted meetings and distributed them afterwards. However, only 54% of those in non-profits reported that action points stayed on the radar and were followed up in a timely manner.  As minutes play a key role in holding non-profit board members accountable, it could suggest that there is an issue with the way organisations are dealing with the minuting process.  In order to make sure your organisation’s minutes help the board...