nefndarfundur

A nefndarfundur is the formal meeting of a nefnd (committee) within an organization, held to discuss items within the committee’s remit and to make decisions on behalf of the organization. The exact competences and procedures are defined in the organization’s statutes, charter, or bylaws. Common settings include municipalities, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations in Iceland.

An agenda is prepared for a nefndarfundur, typically overseen by the chair and/or secretary. Items commonly on the agenda include approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, reports from subcommittees or staff, proposals, and new issues requiring attention. Decisions are usually taken by vote, and a quorum—usually a specified proportion of the committee’s full membership—must be present for the meeting to proceed. Minutes, or fundargerð, are recorded and distributed to members, and may be published if required by policy or law.

The roles within a nefndarfundur typically include a chair (formaður nefndar) who presides over the meeting and a secretary (ritari) who records the minutes. Other members participate in discussion and voting. In public bodies, nefndarfundir may be open to the public and the agenda published in advance; some sessions or parts thereof can be private to address sensitive matters. Outcomes of nefndarfundir can be recommendations or binding decisions, depending on the committee’s authority, and some actions may require ratification by a higher governing body, such as a council or board.