Board decision papers are written materials for board members to perform their oversight responsibilities, and to make informed decisions about company matters. They must be clear and informative and include a clear overview as well as annexes.

Directors can be guided to make the right decisions through discussing alternatives analysis or a review of important metrics, research or competitive insights and an operating framework that influenced their decision-making. They may also consider a simulation on the impact of the various options on the business. It is also beneficial to show why management chose the preferred option – this could include describing the various options that were considered or a summary of pros and cons for each, and how the recommended approach scored against the criteria.

Board documents should be written https://boardroomofficial.com/practical-steps-for-getting-the-best-data-room-software/ in a formal business manner, free of jargon or legalese. This will help keep the content up-to-date and accessible for all directors. Charts and graphs can be used to organize information and trends, as well as break up large blocks of text. It’s also a good practice to read the paper aloud or to your peers to ensure that the most important points are being communicated. If you’re looking to clarify something, it’s best to seek feedback or views from the board.