The Role of the  Management Committee

The roles and responsibilities generally remain the same. Committees are often called by different names, however committee names are usually linked to the way in which the group is legally constituted:

Management Committee - unregistered voluntary /community groups
Executive Committee - unregistered voluntary/community groups
 The Committee - used by Industrial and Provident Societies
 Board of Trustees – registered charitable companies
 Board of Directors – also used by charitable companies

The committee is responsible for ensuring that the organisation carries out its business according to its governing document, the law and good practice.  The committee must ensure that these rules are followed.

A governing document relates to why the organisation exists and the type of activities it is supposed to carry out.  A governing document also defines how the organisation is supposed to conduct its business. (SEE TYPES OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS).

To carry out your role effectively you need to know:

• The objects of your organisation
• The beneficiaries
• The powers you have
• The procedures and processes for running an organisation

This is usually contained in a set of rules or governing document, so it is important that it is clear and unambiguous and agreed by the whole group.

A lot of committees have Trustee Induction Programmes in place to help new trustees get a full picture of what the organisation is about.

When you choose to became a committee member you will have:

Legal roles and duties

Making sure that the organisation acts in accordance with its governing document and obeys relevant regulations.

Steering and stewarding roles.

Making sure that the organisation knows where it is going and they have the people and resources to get results.

Volunteering Role

Working as a volunteer on particular matters to help achieve the aims and objectives of your organisation.

Management committees maintain a long-term overview of the organisation and all its work and are responsible for :

• Making strategic and major decisions about the organisations objectives, polices and procedures.

• Ensuring the needs and interests of relevant people and bodies are taken into account when making decisions.

• Ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out activities.

• Monitoring the work of the organisation, especially progress towards objectives.

• Ensuring that appropriate action is taken when work is not being done, or not being done properly.
  

To ensure the smooth running of the group or organisation, the committee usually elects individuals from amongst themselves to perform certain roles and carry out specific functions on behalf of the organisation.

Three key roles and officer posts are the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, although some may choose in addition to elect a Vice Chair and Assistant Secretary or other positions.

Although there are broad similarities, the role of the elected officers is different in every organisation. The organisation’s governing document may set out officers’ basic responsibilities.

Liability or Decision Making

Trustees, whether forming a company or an unincorporated association, have a duty to make properly considered decisions.  The minutes are a tool, which demonstrates how good governance, has been observed.  Trustees, with the appropriate clause in a constitution may take out trustee liability insurance.  It should be noted, however, that this type of insurance will only be valid where the Trustees / Directors have filled their fiduciary duty, acted within their powers & acted reasonably & where appropriate, sought advice.  No amount of insurance will cover irrational behavior / decision making by a Trustee/ Director.

Company secretaries'

If you're running a limited company private or public - you must by law have a company secretary. The company secretary usually acts as the chief administrative officer of the company leaving the directors free to concentrate on running the business. The company secretary doesn't have to be a director but they do share some of the directors' legal responsibilities, (see responsibilities of company secretary).