Board decision papers are written documents that assist board members perform their oversight duties and make informed decisions about company matters. They should be brief but informative, with an executive summary that is clear and concise, as well as supporting appendices.

Considerations to help directors make the most appropriate decisions on an issue could include a discussion of alternatives analysis (such as methods such as Six Thinking Hats), an overview of key metrics including research data, competitive insights and operating context that offer a clear perspective, or even an illustration of the effects of each option on the business. It’s also helpful to demonstrate how management made the decision to choose the best option – this could include explaining the various options considered or summarising pros/cons of each, including how the suggested method scored against a set of criteria.

Board documents should be written in a formal business style without jargon or legalese. This will help keep the information current and easily accessible to all directors. The use of graphs and charts can help to https://boardroomofficial.com/guide-to-board-decision-papers/ organize information and trends, as well as break up long blocks of text. It is an excellent idea to read the papers aloud or with your colleagues to ensure that the most important points are being communicated. If further clarification is needed, it’s ideal to invite questions, feedback, or alternative perspectives from the board.