To write AOB in minutes means documenting the points discussed under the 'Any Other Business' section of a meeting.
Understanding AOB
AOB stands for 'Any Other Business'. According to common meeting protocols, including the information provided, AOB should be one of the last agenda points. Its purpose is to allow anyone present at the meeting to bring up a point for discussion that:
- Has not already been covered during the meeting.
- Was not included on the formal agenda beforehand.
It serves as a final opportunity for participants to raise relevant, albeit unplanned, topics.
Recording AOB in Meeting Minutes
Meeting minutes are the official record of what happened in a meeting. Writing AOB in minutes involves documenting what was said and decided during this specific agenda item. Here’s a breakdown of how to record the AOB section effectively:
Key Information to Capture
When recording AOB in minutes, focus on capturing the essential details for each distinct point raised:
- The Topic/Point Raised: Clearly state the subject of the discussion.
- Who Raised It: Note the name or role of the person who introduced the topic.
- Brief Summary of Discussion: Capture the main points discussed or viewpoints shared. Avoid transcribing verbatim unless specifically required; focus on the substance.
- Outcome/Decision: Record any conclusion reached, decision made, or next steps agreed upon regarding the point.
- Action Items (if any): If an action is required as a result of the discussion, document what needs to be done, who is responsible, and by when (if a deadline is set).
Practical Steps
- Allocate a specific section for AOB in your minutes document, typically near the end, following the scheduled agenda items.
- Use clear headings or bullet points for each separate topic raised under AOB.
- Keep the language concise and factual.
- Ensure the minutes accurately reflect the discussion and any agreements.
Example Structure in Minutes
You can structure the AOB section in your minutes using a list or even a simple table for clarity:
Any Other Business (AOB)
- Point 1: [Topic raised]
- Raised by: [Name]
- Discussion Summary: [Brief overview]
- Outcome/Decision: [Result of discussion]
- Action Items: [Action], [Responsible Person], [Deadline]
Alternatively, using a table:
| Topic Raised | Raised By | Discussion Summary | Outcome/Decision | Action Item | Responsible | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Specific AOB Point 1] | [Name] | [Key discussion points] | [Decision/Conclusion] | [What to do] | [Who] | [Date] |
| [Specific AOB Point 2] | [Name] | [Key discussion points for second point] | [Decision/Conclusion 2] | [What else to do] | [Who else] | [Another Date] |
By following these steps, you ensure that topics raised under Any Other Business are properly documented, providing a complete record of the meeting's proceedings and outcomes.
