Board decision papers are written documents that assist board members perform their oversight duties and make informed decisions about company matters. They should be concise yet informative, with an enlightened executive summary and an appendix to support it.
Considerations to help directors make the most effective decisions regarding a particular matter may include a discussion of alternative analysis (such as techniques like Six Thinking Hats), an overview of the most important metrics including research data, operating context and competitive insights that informed an overall view, or an analysis of the effect of each choice on the business. It is also helpful to show how management chose the best option. This could be as simple as describing the various options considered or a summary of the pros and cons for each, as as how the recommended approach www.boardroomofficial.com/guide-to-board-decision-papers/ scored on factors.
Board documents should be free from legalese and jargon. They should also have a formal business writing styles used throughout to make the content relevant and easily accessible for every director. Using charts and graphs helps to summarize information and data trends, and also break up long blocks of text. It’s also a good idea to read the papers out loud to your colleagues or peers to assess clarity and ensure that the key points are conveyed. If any further clarification is required, it’s ideal to invite questions, feedback, or alternative perspectives from the board.