Minutes: taking and writing effective minutes - one day

Course summary

All organisations need minutes. They are essential if teams, committees and boards are to have a clear record of the decisions they have made and the actions required. Effective minute taking is vital to the efficient organisation and a good minute taker can transform the effectiveness of a team.

This one-day training course is a sound introduction to minute taking and equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to write professional minutes.


Course outline

Over the day's training you will cover:

• the purpose and use of minutes
• preparation for taking minutes
• the special rules of grammar and language for minutes
• some useful terminology and how to use it
• minuting presentations and information briefings
• the difference between informal and formal minutes
• what minutes should include and what should be left out
• the tasks of the effective minute taker
• the role of the chair and how to work with your chair
• effective listening
• tips and tricks for note-taking
• practical exercises including real life opportunities to practice taking minutes
• minutes and The Freedom of Information Act

"The course was good at clarifying the rights and wrongs of minute taking. A great forum to share other people's experiences." LS, Healthcare Commission
"Very good - allowed me to approach minute taking in a methodical and structured way rather than panicking" MC, British Transport Police
"A rare course, I have gained so much information and confidence." CC, NLCUSP


Who is this course for?

This one day training course is useful to anyone who has to take minutes as part of their work. Whether you are asked to minute the occasional team meeting or are responsible for minuting formal Board meetings, this course will have something for you. If you learn better with lots of practice, you might find the two day course helpful.



What will this course help me do: learning outcomes?

This training course will help you take and write up good, clear minutes. You will be able to distinguish between taking minutes and taking notes. It will also help you to work effectively with your chair.