First Class Minute Taking

Ensure that meetings are worthwhile and productive by gaining the skills and the confidence to record accurate and concise meeting notes.

This course is anyone who may have to take minutes as part of their job role. We look at how best to effectively record the key elements of a meeting, making use of handouts, group work and a Course Workbook.

Course Objectives

At the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

· Effectively prepare for meetings where they are the minute taker.

· Identify and overcome common obstacles to effective listening.

· Select and use an appropriate note taking technique.

· Note the relevant points from discussions.

· Produce a clear, concise and appropriately worded set of minutes.

· Follow conventions for the format of minutes.

Course content

· The basic principles of minute taking. A look at the different type of minutes that can be taken, and the reasoning behind each.

· Prepared for the meeting. A review of the elements that should be considered prior to a meeting where you are due to take minutes. There is also a focus on the different roles of people in the meeting and how this relates to the minute taker. Also, the duties and responsibilities of the meeting Chair - and the important relationship between you.

· Agenda preparation. Understanding the Agenda, and how it clues you in to the meeting scope and purpose.

· Good listening skills. The barriers there might be to actively listening during meetings and how to overcome these. There is also a review of how to work back from a decision to identify the important elements to record.

· Note taking. A review of all the different methods of note taking, the benefits and pitfalls to each and identifying the best type to use.

· Writing the minutes. A practical examination of the structure and layout of minutes.

· The ABC of good writing. Accurate, Brief and Clear. Providing a structured approach to ensuring the minutes are written well and are:

· Narrative minutes. Summary, Decision and Action. Some exercises to test and improve narrative writing skills. Also, how to create an Introduction,

· Minute taking practical. Applying the skills they have learnt throughout the day in a practical activity.

· Reviewing and checking the minutes. A review of the participants progress with suggested improvements and what worked well.

FAQs

Do I have to book using Eventbrite?

No. You can simply contact us at [email protected] with your name, organisation, billing address and a note of any access issues. We will issue an invoice in advance of your attendance.

 What refreshments are served at the training?

Two free rounds of tea, coffee and biscuits are served on arrival and at mid-morning. A sandwich lunch is served as part of the day.

Is there disabled access?

The venue is fully accessible. There is a flight of stairs at the front of the building, however, so wheelchair access is at the rear. A Civicos staff member can be on hand to assist, as the entry point is not obvious. Please let us know in advance of any access requirements.

 What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Please refer to the venue website

 What can/can't I bring to the event? 

No need to bring equipment or laptop unless we specifically ask in the training descriptor. Pen and paper may be handy for notes.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

If you want to transfer to another training course, please contact us with five or more days’ notice at [email protected]

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No need

 What is the refund policy?

Civicos Training requires five working days' notice of cancellation. We will always attempt to place you on a later version of the same course, or transfer your booking to another course at no extra cost. However, if you cancel with less than the required notice, we do resrve the right to charge for the full cost of the course

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