Committee Support >

Although the needs placed on individual committee/board members will vary from organisation to organisation, there are some general duties and responsibilities. These include:

• Ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document (constitution/Memorandum & Articles/Trust deed), company or charity law and any other relevant areas of legislation or regulations

• Ensuring the organisation specifically pursues the ‘objects’ defined in the governing document

• Ensuring organisations use resources wisely and solely in the pursuit of those objects

• Contributing actively to the committee/board giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy, defining goals and setting and monitoring targets

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

• Ensuring effective and efficient administration

• Ensuring the organisation is financially stable

• Protecting and managing any property or investments held in the organisations name

• Acting as employers to all staff, specifically monitoring the performance of the Manager

Making sure all of this falls into place means that committee/board members will be required to use the variety of specific skills, knowledge or experience they bring to the organisation.

It’s vital that all committee members / directors, as a minimum:

• Scrutinise and question meeting papers
• Lead and/or contribute to all discussions
• Focus in on key issues and do not allow themselves to become involved in day to day management
• Provide guidance for any staff, paid or unpaid, on new initiatives and projects
• Use any special expertise they have to offer
• Commit time and effort to the organisation
• Provide strategic vision
• Offer good, independent judgement
• Show the ability to think creatively
• Demonstrate a willingness to speak their mind
• Show an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a member of a team

If you feel you need support or advice around becoming a committee member,
call us on 01397 706044