Consent Agenda: A Simple Way to Run More Focused Board Meetings
Many board meetings get sidetracked by routine updates and items that don’t need discussion. If your meetings are running long and losing focus, there’s a simple solution: the consent agenda.
Used correctly, a consent agenda can help your board save time, stay on track, and spend more energy on meaningful discussions and decisions.
What Is a Consent Agenda?
A consent agenda (also known as a consent calendar) groups together routine, non-controversial items that the board can approve in one motion—without discussion. It helps streamline the start of the meeting and keeps your agenda focused on what really matters.
What Types of Items Go on a Consent Agenda?
Consent agendas are most effective for recurring or informational items that don’t require debate. Common examples include:
- Approval of previous meeting minutes
- Monthly financial reports
- Staff or Executive Director’s updates
- Committee reports
- Routine contracts or renewals
- Informational items not requiring board action
Why Use a Consent Agenda?
Reduce Meeting Time
By bundling administrative items into a single vote, you eliminate unnecessary discussion and save time for strategic topics.
Increase Meeting Focus
Consent agendas clear the clutter from your meeting, making space for thoughtful conversation and decision-making.
Encourage Preparation
When directors know they’re expected to review materials in advance, it fosters accountability and keeps meetings moving efficiently.
Respect Volunteers’ Time
For nonprofit and condo boards, where members are often volunteers, a well-run meeting is a sign of respect and professionalism.
How to Use a Consent Agenda
1. Prepare and Share in Advance
List each item in the consent agenda and include all related documents in the board package. Distribute everything at least 5 days before the meeting to give members time to review.
2. Use a Poll to Confirm Support Before the Meeting
If you’re using BoardSpace, you can create a simple poll that allows directors to vote on the consent agenda ahead of time. This helps identify if any items need to be pulled for discussion, and ensures there are no surprises during the meeting.
3. Introduce and Approve
At the meeting, the chair reads the consent agenda title and asks for a motion to approve all items. If no one requests changes, the entire group is approved with one vote.
4. Move Items if Needed
If a board member wants to discuss an item, they simply request it be removed. That item is then handled under regular agenda business.
Tips for Success
- Only include items that are truly routine or informational.
- Set clear expectations: all directors must review the board package ahead of time.
- Track poll responses in BoardSpace to ensure quorum and transparency.
- Don’t skip listing items—every item should be clearly shown, even if it’s not discussed.
More Focused Meetings Start with Better Agendas
When used well, a consent agenda saves time, improves focus, and helps your board work more efficiently.
It’s a small change that makes a big difference, especially when paired with a platform like BoardSpace that keeps agendas, minutes, and polls all in one place.
Related reading: Creating a Board Meeting Agenda that Works.