Tabling reports at a meeting is an efficient way of facilitating discussion and decision-making. Reports are often submitted to management committee meetings by sub-committees or individuals to provide:

• information (eg demographics of the local area);
• research (eg type of services needed by a specific demographic);
• analysis (eg cost benefits of contracting out services); or
• recommendations (eg recommendation on the type of service to be delivered).

If possible written reports should be circulated in advance of the meeting. This shortens the meeting and permits more informed discussion. Reports from committees and individuals tabled at a meeting can be either adopted or received. A meeting adopts the report when it accepts the report's findings or recommendations. If the management committee does not agree with the report, needs more information or time for further decision-making the report may be received and motions dealing with specific recommendations can be dealt with at a later meeting.