What is board paper?

Board paper, also known as boardroom paper or board pack, refers to a set of documents and reports required to support the decision-making process of a board of directors or executive committee. These papers are typically distributed to board members well in advance of board meetings to provide them with relevant information and background necessary for discussing and making important decisions.

Key characteristics and components of board papers include:

  1. Agenda: The agenda outlines the meeting schedule, topics, and objectives that will be discussed during the board meeting.

  2. Financial Statements: Board papers usually include financial reports such as income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and any other relevant financial information to provide a comprehensive overview of the organization's financial performance.

  3. Management Reports: These reports provide updates on various areas of the organization's operations and activities, such as sales and marketing performance, human resources, legal matters, risk management, and strategic initiatives.

  4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs highlight specific metrics that measure the organization's progress towards its strategic goals. These indicators can include financial, operational, or performance-related metrics.

  5. Strategic Plans: Board papers may contain strategic plans, objectives, and initiatives for discussion and approval. These plans outline the organization's long-term goals and the strategies to achieve them.

  6. Risk Management: Board papers often include reports, analyses, and updates on risk management strategies, potential threats, and mitigation measures to ensure effective governance and risk oversight.

  7. Compliance and Regulatory Matters: Legal and compliance-related documents, including regulatory updates, compliance reports, and any legal matters or obligations that require the board's attention, are included in board papers.

Board papers are critical for board members to be well-informed, prepared, and able to make sound decisions during board meetings. These papers are typically circulated electronically or in print, and some organizations have transitioned to using digital board portals to streamline the distribution, access, and collaboration on board materials.