Overview
When decisions are challenged, minutes are the evidence. In an environment of increasing transparency and regulatory oversight, the record of a meeting is as important as the meeting itself. If a decision isn’t properly recorded, in the eyes of regulators and the courts, it often never happened. Taking command of the record ensures that your minutes stand as a clear, compliant, and strategically valuable account of the organisation’s actions and intent.
What you'll learn
As the professional body for governance, CGIUKI sets the benchmark for effective minute taking. This course develops the skills and judgement to produce clear, accurate, and legally robust minutes that withstand scrutiny.
Delegates will learn how to prepare for meetings, manage complex discussions, and draft minutes that provide a reliable, impartial record of decisions, actions, and rationale to protect both the organisation and its decision-makers. You will gain a "toolkit" of modern techniques, from navigating the Chair and Minute Taker relationship to utilising AI and technology.
Who is it for?
This course is essential for anyone responsible for recording meetings across all sectors (Private, Charity, Public, and NHS). It is specifically tailored for:
• Governance Professionals and Company Secretaries
• Executive Assistants (EAs) and Personal Assistants (PAs)
• Administrators and Support Staff
• Committee Leads and Project Managers
How much does it cost?
Course Cost (excluding VAT)
Non-Member - £550
Professional Subscriber - £495
Member - £440
*A discount is available for registered charities, please email [email protected]
For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741
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You will also receive:
- A delegate pack containing comprehensive course notes and presentation slides
- A certificate to show you have attended the course
- 6 hours credit towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- 6 months complimentary professional subscription of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. This includes a subscription to G+C Magazine as well as access to briefings, discounts and our knowledge base.
People who take this course often go on to book:
- The Role of the Company Secretary - Part Two
- Introduction to Corporate Governance
- Essential Corporate Governance
- Company Secretarial Practice for PLCs
- Introduction to Subsidiary Governance
Attendees from this course often go on to study the CGI’s Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme.
Useful CGI Resources:
- The Company Secretary's Checklists
- The Company Secretary's Handbook
- A wealth of further information and guidance on Company Secretarial practices can be found in our Resources.
Testimonials
"The trainer was very engaging and the group activities enabled us to get a better understanding of effective minute taking and put a framework in place. I came away with the knowledge and confidence to effectively be the minute taker for future meetings"
★★★★★
"The trainers style was easy to follow and concepts easy to understand. He was able to convey his depth of knowledge into a guide to assist anyone's improvement in this area."
★★★★★
"The training session was informative, comprehensive and had lots of tools to help aid my learning in my governance role."
★★★★★
"I thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was very informative taking into account emerging trends in effective minute taking. Looking forward to applying the lessons learn to my assignments."
★★★★★
"The trainer was excellent. He had a wonderful and patient temperament and was extremely knowledgeable. I learnt so many new techniques despite taking minutes for over 15 years and the trainer proved to be a positive enabler. Would strongly reccommend this course"
★★★★★
Competency framework
This course aligns to CGI’s competency framework: Entry/Emerging
Use the competency framework to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in governance.
Programme
- Creating a 'notemaker friendly' agenda
- Friend or foe?
- Applying effective note-taking techniques
- Important post-meeting activities
- Re-structuring notes when creating minutes for longer agenda items
- Applying the skills learned: a practical exercise
- How detailed should minutes be?
- Writing style
- Passive voice or active voice?
- Structure and layout
- Analysing examples
- Minute-writing: key guiding principles
- Naming names: CGI best practice
- Appointment, termination, and detail changes
- Using the Power/Interest Matrix to maintain key relationships
- The Minute-taker’s Reminder Checklist
- Post-course reference material that you will receive
- Effective minute-taking: summary of tools, tips and techniques
Course Leader
