Running meetings - from Adrian

Purpose . Why are we meeting?
Time - stick to a fixed time.
Outcomes.
What outcomes do we want from the meeting?
What authority do we have?
How you will conduct the meeting.
Have a written agenda.
For each item specify
for information
for discussion
for decision
who will lead on it.
Put in a schedule so that all items are given time.
There can of course be brainstorming but that can't easily be combined with other items
Make sure everyone at the meeting needs to be there and that no-one who needs to be there is absent.

As chair, summarise at the end of each item to check consensus .
Be very clear, and record decisions.
Be equally clear , and record, action to follow the decision , timetable, and responsibilities.

PS just to be clear items are of three kinds , not all three in the same one.
Preparation also important- to get any info out and to do do some informal preliminary soundings to get momentum on tricky issues.
If appropriate ask if anyone has anything to raise under 'any other business'. That avoids disruption or distraction.