The Management Committee and the Organisation - Who's Who?

Management Committee

(may also be called Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, Executive Committee etc).

The Management Committee works as a team to make decisions, and has ultimate responsibility for the organisation.

Special features:

• Composed of unpaid volunteers (expect in exceptional circumstances) who receive just out-of-pocket-expenses.
• Each member has an equal say and equal vote, although the chair may sometimes have a casting vote.
• Have a leadership and governance role.
• Is accountable to members.
  

Chairperson

A Chairperson is chosen to act as a figurehead for the organisation. S/he works closely with the chief officer (if there is one) and ensures effective decisions are made and carried out.

Special features:

• Plans and runs meetings and ensures participation.
• Ensures that the Management Committee functions properly.
• Line manages the chief officer.
  

Chief Officer (if applicable)

(may be called Chief Executive Officer, Director, Co-ordinator, Manager etc).

The chief officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation; puts recommendations to the Management Committee; ensures the Management Committee’s decisions are put into practice.

Special features:

• Receive wages
• Not a Management Committee member (except in exceptional cases).
• Hired, supported and appraised by the Management Committee.
• Reports to the Management Committee.
  

Staff

Staff are paid employees who carry out work on behalf of their employer.

Special features:

• Receive wages
• Not Management Committee members.
• Accountable to the Management Committee through the chief officer.
  

Sub-committee

A sub-committee is a small group of individuals tasked to advise on a particular task or area (such as finance or personnel). Sub-committees are set up by the Management Committee and terms of reference may be defined in the organisation's governing document.

Special features:

• Often made up of Management Committee members and non-members.
• Makes recommendations to the Management Committee.
• Decision-making powers limited by the Management Committee and the organisation's governing document.
• Not time-limited.

Advisor or Advisory Group

(may also be called a project steering group, working group etc).

An Advisor, advisory group or working group is involved to give guidance to the Management Committee on specific matters or develop a specific initiative.

Special features:

• Advisors are not Management Committee members.
• Advisory or working groups can involve a number of non-Committee members
• No official role; no voting power.
• Can provide valuable information and expertise
• Time-limited role
  

Patron

A Patron is a person who lends credibility or support to the cause of a charity or voluntary organisation, and are often involved in fundraising and public relations to gain media coverage.

Special features:

• Not a Management Committee member.
• No voting power.
  

Volunteer

A person who carries out agreed tasks on behalf of an organisation, without concern for financial gain.

Special features:

• Not paid (except out-of pocket expenses).
• Not an employee.
• Carries out agreed tasks.