Minute Taking

Minute taking is not an easy task and is particularly difficult in arenas where challenging issues are being considered; potentially leading to major changes in people’s lives. It is therefore crucial that those who carry this responsibility are supported so as to undertake the task in a way that supports positive outcomes.

This half day course aims to ensure that the person involved understands how vital effective minute taking is and how they can ensure that they meet the highest standards.

This course is suitable for all support workers as well as administrators.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course participants should understand:

• Why meetings and investigations need to be recorded
• How the minutes might be used (incl. legislative requirements)
• The potential consequences of poor recording; for the organisation, staff and service users
• Meetings might refer to information that is highly distasteful to you; or even shocking. How do you contain your
  feelings and maintain a professional persona?
• What do you do with your feelings
• How and what to prepare:
        -Understanding the context
        -Who might be involved?
        -Professional terms and jargon
• The structure and formats used
• The skills:
        -Accurate listening (incl. seating arrangements)
        -Checking out and being assertive
        -Being non-judgemental-is this possible?
        -Being aware of your ‘Internal editor’ and staying with facts; what is actually being said
        -non-judgemental language
        -When and how to précis
        -Summaries
        -When and how much to quote
        -Presentation
• What is required after the event (incl. use of Supervision)

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Chalk and talk
• Word storm method
• Smaller group work
• OHP/PowerPoint
• Practice work

CP101/4.9