What Is a Written Consent Agenda?

Written consent agendas are a good governance tool that lets nonprofit boards streamline meeting procedures. They blend routine and non-controversial matters into groups, which can then be put to a vote and then incorporated into the board minutes. This method allows for shorter meetings and more time for discussion of high-priority subjects.

These routine items include budgets, financial reports committee updates, the approvals of the most recent draft of the minutes for board meetings and other non-controversial matters. These items are placed on the agenda prior to a meeting. They are then reviewed by the board and decided upon by the board in a vote at the beginning of the meeting.

Before voting on the grouping, the chairperson of the board data room can ask if any board member wishes to move a particular item from the consent agenda into the discussion section of the meeting. This allows each board member to clarify or raise concerns prior to the grouping vote is taken as well as ensuring that there was no issue unintentionally missed in the process of gathering details for the board to approve.

An agenda that is well-crafted and executed can be a powerful tool for nonprofit boards to increasing the efficiency of meetings, enhancing board director participation and increasing efficiency. It is important to note, however, that the consent agenda should not be used for matters that require a lengthy discussion and careful review, or when a discussion could change the outcome or impact of the issue. It is only used for matters that can be negotiated without debate, and the outcome of all votes should be recorded in the board’s minutes.