The written consent agenda is a useful tool for governance that allows nonprofit boards to simplify meeting procedures by combining routine and non-controversial items into a grouping that can be approved by a vote and then recorded in the board’s minutes. This method reduces meeting length and frees time for discussion of more important issues.

These items are routine, such as financial reports with accompanying budgets committee updates, board approvals of the latest draft of the board meeting minutes and other non-controversial issues. These items are placed on the agenda prior to a meeting. They are then considered by the board before being then voted on by the board as a whole at the beginning of the meeting.

Before voting, the chairperson of the board can ask if any board member wants to move a particular item from the consent agenda into the regular discussion portion of the meeting. This allows each board member to clarify or raise concerns prior to the vote https://finddataroom.com/ideal-strategies-for-leaving-the-business-types-of-business-exit-and-importance-to-sell-merge-or-close-your-business/ on grouping and ensures that there was no issue unintentionally missed in the process of gathering details to be approved by the board.

A well-planned consent agenda can be a useful tool for boards of nonprofit organizations to use in meeting efficiency as well as promoting board director engagement, and improving productivity. It is important to keep in mind that the consent agenda shouldn’t be used for matters that require in-depth discussion or careful consideration, or if a discussion could change the outcome or impact of the issue. It is only used when a decision can be made without debate. The results of all votes must be recorded in the minutes of the board meeting.