Key takeaways
- Open with call to order, attendance and apologies.
- Approve the previous minutes before new discussion begins.
- Take reports before decisions, then old business before new business.
- Give every item an owner and a time box.
- Close with any other business, next meeting date and adjournment.
The standard order of a meeting agenda
| # | Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Call to order and welcome | Starts the meeting on time |
| 2 | Attendance, apologies and quorum | Confirms the meeting can make decisions |
| 3 | Approval of the agenda | Agrees what will be covered |
| 4 | Approval of previous minutes | Corrects and confirms the record |
| 5 | Matters arising and action review | Checks last meeting's actions |
| 6 | Reports | Finance, operations or project updates |
| 7 | Old (unfinished) business | Items carried forward |
| 8 | New business | Decisions and proposals |
| 9 | Any other business (AOB) | Short items raised in advance |
| 10 | Next meeting and close | Sets the date and adjourns |
How to create an agenda online
- Open the Meeting Agenda Builder and pick a board, team or project template.
- Enter the meeting title, date, time, venue or video link.
- Keep the standard items and add your topics under reports and new business.
- Assign a presenter and minutes to each item.
- Download the agenda as PDF or email it to attendees.
Send the agenda at least two working days in advance so attendees can prepare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard order of a meeting agenda?
Call to order, attendance, approval of agenda and previous minutes, matters arising, reports, old business, new business, any other business, then next meeting and close.
Should every agenda item have a time?
Yes. Time boxes keep the meeting on schedule and show which items matter most.
Can I make an agenda online for free?
Yes. The DocMak Meeting Agenda Builder lets you build and download an agenda without paying.