A Closed Session refers to a portion of a meeting where only a specific group of participants is allowed access, and the proceedings are kept confidential. Closed sessions are typically used for sensitive discussions or to deliberate on confidential matters. Here are the key characteristics of a Closed Session:
Only authorized participants, often specified in advance, are allowed to attend the closed session. Others may be asked to leave the meeting room or join remotely once the closed session begins.
Closed sessions are used for discussing confidential, sensitive, or legally protected topics, such as personnel matters, legal issues, or proprietary information.
Participants are usually prohibited from recording or disclosing any information discussed during the closed session.
The closed session is a deliberate separation from the general meeting to ensure that only those with a legitimate need-to-know have access to the information.
Despite the confidentiality, minutes may still be taken to record decisions and actions, but these minutes are typically kept highly secure and may have restricted distribution.
