Know where you’re going: Always remember what the organisation was set up to do, and what it’s trying to achieve. Make sure the strategy supports the overall objectives.

Be organised: Be sure that all the Committee members understand their job, and that Committee meetings are well-run. The Committee needs to make sure that between all its members, it has a good balance of skills knowledge and experience. If Committee members need support or training, this should be arranged for them.

Keep it clean: Set up ways for Committee members to declare conflicts of interest, and for conflicts to be recorded and dealt with openly. Have a way for Committee members to claim fair travel and out-of-pocket expenses. Don’t pay Committee members unless it’s allowed by the law, the organisation’s governing document and (for charities) the Charity Commission.

Equality: The Committee should make sure that the organisation’s work is open and fair to all sections of the community. This includes thinking about: services provided; membership of the Committee; employment of staff; and accessibility of communications and meetings.