Glossary
What does “Any other business” mean?
An item at the end of an agenda for matters not listed elsewhere, often abbreviated AOB.
What it means
An item at the end of an agenda for matters not listed elsewhere, often abbreviated AOB. Good practice is to keep it to brief points and to ask for items in advance.
An example
Under any other business, a member mentions that the office will be closed on the 24th; nothing needs deciding, so the chair notes it and closes the meeting.
Not to be confused with: Matters arising
Matters arising are follow-ups from the last meeting’s minutes, near the start; any other business is new items at the end.
Where you will see it
In UK, Irish and Commonwealth agendas especially — boards, committees, councils and associations. In the US the same slot is often called “new business”, and it usually sits just before the date of the next meeting.
Questions
Should decisions be made under any other business?
Usually not on important matters, because members did not have notice; bring them to the next agenda.
What does AOB stand for?
Any other business.
How can a chair keep any other business short?
Ask for items in advance, take only quick points or notices on the day, and move anything needing discussion or a decision to the next meeting’s agenda.
Other meeting words
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