Minutes checklist for chairs and headteachers

Use our list to check over the minutes from meetings. It will help you spot errors so you're sure your clerk hasn’t missed anything out.

Last reviewed on 7 March 2022
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 34997

After a governing board or committee meeting, your clerk (also known as your 'governance professional') will send you the minutes for initial approval.

Use this checklist to make sure they're good-quality minutes that accurately represent the meeting, and will therefore help make sure your board is effective. 

Download: minutes checklist for chairs and headteachers DOCX, 526.0 KB

If you spot an error or have any comments or feedback, let the clerk know. They'll either:

  • Make any minor amendments before sending the minutes to all governors who attended
  • Note down any proposed significant changes for discussion and approval at the next governing board meeting 

Read more about the process of amending and approving draft meeting minutes.