Features of minutes documents

Regardless of the document format, meeting records typically contain some standard information at the beginning of the document.

Points recorded include:

Name of the group holding the meeting;
kind of meeting (for example, weekly, monthly, special);
date (and possibly place if this is not always the same);
names of persons attending;
name of minute taker.

For each agenda item or issue discussed, minutes typically record:

A summary of the views expressed, attributed either to the speakers by name (or initial) or to the offices they represent;
a clear statement about how each issue was resolved; for example, agreement, no agreement, deferred for further consideration;
any follow-up action required and the name of the person responsible for the follow-up.

Please be aware that even these general guidelines are not universally followed. Some groups, for instance, record only items requiring follow-up. Others require detailed records of discussions. Before you begin note-taking, look at earlier examples to be sure you understand what is expected.