SLT meetings: guidance and agendas

Read our tips on how to make the most out of your senior leadership team (SLT) meetings. You'll also find example agenda points and a template for taking minutes.

Last reviewed on 14 January 2022
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 2457
Contents
  1. Make every meeting matter 
  2. Prepare an agenda 
  3. Keep the meeting focused 
  4. Download our template for minutes 

Make every meeting matter 

Make sure you're getting the most out of your meeting time with your leadership team. To do this: 

  • Take time to develop a shared understanding of the purpose of SLT meetings; each member should accept responsibility for making the meetings effective
  • Consider not holding the meeting at all if the same information can be communicated by email
  • If the meeting is meant to be brief, consider whether you can meet standing up, so the meeting is not extended unnecessarily

Prepare an agenda 

Publish the agenda in advance to set clear expectations for what will be achieved in the meeting As well as listing topics, make clear how these will be addressed and by whom (for example, presentation of a written report by named individual, shared analysis of data, collective decision to be made, briefing from the headteacher) Send out any supporting materials with the agenda, so these can