Effective Conduct of Meetings and Board Paper Writing

INTRODUCTION

Efficient meetings and high-quality board papers are central to effective governance and decision-making. This course equips professionals with the skills to organize, conduct, and contribute meaningfully to meetings, while producing concise, impactful board papers aligned with organizational strategy and stakeholder expectations.

HOW YOU BENEFIT

• Improve the structure, timing, and impact of meetings
• Write board papers that are clear, persuasive, and action-driven
• Understand governance expectations and decision-making dynamics
• Reduce time waste through structured agendas and actionable minutes
• Enhance collaboration between management and the board

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Executive and personal assistants
• Senior managers and directors
• Company secretaries and governance officers
• Board support personnel
• Policy writers and corporate planners

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE MODULES

1. Introduction to Effective Meetings
   • Purpose, roles, and types of meetings
   • Governance expectations and protocol
2. Planning and Structuring a Meeting
   • Agenda setting, documentation, and time management
   • Circulation timelines and pre-reading
3. Roles and Responsibilities
   • Chairperson, secretary, and participant roles
   • Facilitating decision-making
4. Communication and Participation Techniques
   • Managing dialogue, conflict, and inclusivity
   • Virtual and hybrid meetings
5. Minute Writing and Follow-Up
   • Capturing discussions, resolutions, and action items
   • Template use and formatting
6. Introduction to Board Papers
   • Purpose, types, and audience of board reports
   • What directors expect
7. Writing Effective Board Papers
   • Clarity, structure, and executive summaries
   • Recommendations and rationale
8. Data Presentation and Evidence-Based Writing
   • Charts, metrics, financial summaries
   • Avoiding information overload
9. Quality Assurance and Review Processes
   • Internal sign-offs and stakeholder validation
   • Tone, confidentiality, and accuracy

• Simulated Board Meeting and Paper Presentation

• Presentation and discussion of a mock board paper
• Feedback and learning points