Definition
An amendment means a formal change, addition, or deletion made to an existing document, policy, agreement, or resolution. In board governance, amendments are commonly used to revise corporate bylaws, meeting minutes, motions, charters, or strategic plans.
Amendments allow boards to adapt decisions and documentation as circumstances evolve, while maintaining transparency and proper recordkeeping.
What an amendment does
An amendment:
- Updates or clarifies existing content
- Modifies decisions that have already been approved
- Reflects changes in company direction, structure, or compliance
- Is often proposed, discussed, and approved during a board meeting
Amendments can be minor (such as correcting a date) or significant (such as restructuring board voting rights or changing committee responsibilities).
When amendments are used
Boards may make amendments when:
- Legal or regulatory changes require policy updates
- Errors are discovered in previously approved documents
- Strategic decisions shift priorities
- Shareholders request revisions to governance materials
Quick summary
- An amendment means a formal change to an existing document or decision
- Boards use amendments to update bylaws, policies, resolutions, and more
- Amendments are discussed and approved during meetings to ensure accountability
Related terms
- Board resolution
- Bylaws
- Board meeting
- Corporate governance
- Meeting minutes
Give Feedback
Was this resource helpful?
Your feedback helps us make the glossary more useful for everyone