Committee Roles

There are traditional roles within committees.  Depending on the skillset that your committee members have, you might be able to fill these roles as they are prescribed.  Ultimately, as long as the tasks are being covered you can mix it up across the whole committee.

The main three roles you need are:

Chair – the person that promotes the smooth running of the group

• Chairing meetings, making sure all the business is covered and everyone has a voice
• Helping the committee to work together as a team.
• Having an overview of the work of the group.
• Being the main contact person for the group.
• The chair also takes full responsibility for the actions of the group, especially if it’s a constituted / unregistered group.

Secretary – the person that deals with recording the work and the communications of the group

• Taking minutes in meetings.
• Keeping files of past minutes and reports.
• Preparing and sharing agendas
• Group correspondence
• Keeping records

Treasurer – the person that deals with the financial affairs of the group

• Keep a written record of the money going in and out of the group funds.
• Check and keep bank statements.
• Keep receipts for all items bought.
• Keep the paperwork for all grants and money received.
• Have a system for dealing with expenses and petty cash.

In addition to this either as part of the existing roles or a whole new role, you will need someone who has the responsibility for safeguarding and protecting everyone involved in the organisation.

Make sure that someone on your committee has a responsibility and awareness of safeguarding.

You might also want to add some additional roles depending on what you do and who you have.

Estates Co-ordinator – the person that makes sure there is a space to deliver the services (booking rooms and working with the venue) and that the right equipment is provided and in good condition.

Member liaison – the person that is the link between the members / users and the committee and is their voice on the committee

Communications – the person that delivers the social media accounts and works with local press and other agencies

Fundraising – the person that creates fundraising events and opportunities and is responsible for making money for the group

Volunteer Co-ordinator – the person that is responsible for the recruitment, screening, management and support of any volunteers that help out with the group.

You can have whatever roles you see fit and that relate to the work that you do.

You may also want to have a couple of people on your committee with no fixed roles that can either assist an existing postholder or be there to take on short term tasks as they arise (like events or parties).  They are also useful as they can have a broader overview of the service because their attention isn’t placed on one thing.