Meeting minutes are a record of what happened at a meeting.

Board meeting minutes are very important. Minutes are considered legal documents by the auditors, IRS and courts, and they represent the actions of the board. Many assert that if it's not in the minutes, it didn't happen.

The secretary of the board usually takes minutes during meetings. Written minutes are distributed to board members before each meeting for member's review. Minutes for the previous meeting should be reviewed right away in the next meeting. Any changes should be amended to the minutes and a new version submitted before the next meeting where the new version is reviewed to be accepted. Minutes should be retained in a manual and shared with all board members.