Dear Ask the Experts,
A member of our club requested detailed financial records and bank statements, and was informed by the board that only copies of certain financial records and bank statements could be given out; the rest had to be paid for by the member.

The member also asked about the minutes of each meeting. The board responded that not all items from the minutes were published in the newsletters. What is the standard practice regarding access to financial records and board minutes?

S.

Dear S.
As a general rule, minutes of a board meeting should be available but I don't think printing them in a newsletter is desirable or required.

Similarly, key financial information should be available to review but if extensive information is requested, it seems reasonable to require payment for the costs incurred in preparing it and making copies. Basically, the audit is the key document that should be available.

Anne, editor
Governance Matters "Ask the Experts"