Why you need Minutes
Made Easy
Minutes matter, they are the only living memory of the meeting. The document that evidences decisions, drive things forward, ensure actions are taken and create an accurate audit trail for future audit.
Why is it good
Minutes Made Easy doesn’t tell participants about minutes, it trains people to take them through a series of discussion, exercises and practical work (no PowerPoint). Questions are welcome throughout the day, detailed reference handouts are provided and trainer-support is available after the course.
Anyone can be called on to take minutes and most people get ‘thrown in the deep end’. It is a skill that many assume a secretary or administrator has, but this is often not the case as even secretarial colleges seldom teach this useful skill. Many committees do not have the luxury of having a someone to take notes, so the task falls to a member of the group. It is difficult to write as well as contribute and few people know what to look for when taking the minutes. This course gives delegates the skills and confidence to take relevant notes and to present them as useful minutes.
Minutes Made Easy
Course Content
• Preparation for a meeting to save time, reduce stress and improve minutes.
• How to recognise the relevant points and note them accurately without shorthand or speedwriting.
• Ways of coping with common problems at the meeting (eg not understanding, minuting argument, concentrating, recognising actions).
• Techniques for structuring your notes into a logical summary.
• Defining decision clearly and writing actions that make them happen.
• Tips for presenting the minutes for readability and a professional impression.
• Answers to common questions on the wording of minutes (eg tense, person, use of names).
• The difference between action, summary and verbatim and the uses of each style.
Who should attend?
Anyone who is required to take minutes, whether as dedicated minute-taker or as a participant who has to take on the role. Shorthand is not required!
A course at your workplace
Duration: one day (usually 9:30 – 4:00).
Minimum of six delegates, maximum of twelve
We bring all course materials and stationery; detailed reference notes and provide post-course support. You just need to provide a suitable room and a flipchart/pad.
Delegates receive a certificate carrying the CPDSO accreditation mark.
Live online training
Duration: 9:30 – 12.30
Generally run through MS teams (can use Zoom, or your in-house system).
Detailed reference notes are available for download and delegates receive a certificate carrying the CPDSO accreditation mark.
Open courses
28 February or 9 May
£84 + VAT
Open seminars
The online session is available to individual delegates
Taking Minutes of Meetings
Joanna’s book, now in it’s fifth edition from Kogan Page, is the definitive reference book, providing detailed guidance on every aspect of minute-taking
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