Action plans, or grids, are used to summarize the way forward on a particular subject and to set out actions and timetables for lead personnel. The need for an action plan may result from a meeting or series of meetings. An action plan may also be used to support complex processes, such as project management. An action plan often forms an annex to a covering document, with the information presented in a table:
| Ser no | Item (or Subject) | Action | Due date | Action lead |
| 1 | As required | Sets out what has to be done. May also contain a summary of the background or discussion. | ddmmmyy | Job title of person leading the action. |