Help! Selection Procedures

Help! Selection Procedures

Small groups may adopt a fairly informal approach in the early stages of application and selection, but they will still need to consider the same issues.

1. How will individuals apply for Committee membership?
   
2. Who will determine who is eligible to be put forward for Committee membership?
   
3. What criteria will they use to determine who is eligible?
   
4. What are your formal proceduresfor appointment to the Management Committee?

Your answers to all of these questions should be based on:

• Requirements outlined in your governing document
• Procedures or criteria agreed by your Management Committee
  

1. How will individuals apply for Committee membership?

Your application process will be influenced by the size of your organisation, its geographical spread, your recruitment methods, and who you need on your committee.

Options frequently used include:

• Informal indication of interest
  
  Often adopted by small groups operating in local areas where potential new members are drawn from a very restricted pool of people. Individuals may speak informally to existing committee or staff members
  
  Benefits? Flexible and may therefore generate more applicants
  
  Drawbacks? May present limited opportunity to review relevant skills and experience or check whether they meet essential criteria for the role. Relies a lot on the organisation’s familiarity with the applicants and therefore disadvantages those who may be new to area and may bring new skills or experiences. Also difficult to be completely fair and consistent if choosing between applicants. It doesn't allow for the recruitment of people from other communities or areas who may have transferable knowledge and experience.
  
  
• Nomination by current committee members

  This process may be specified in your governing document or selected for convenience. Committee members are asked to put forward names of individuals who they would like considered for membership, having confirmed their interest in committee membership. Confirmation of membership may be by ‘seconding’ a nomination, a vote by the Committee or voting by the membership.

  Benefits? Ensures that new Committee members, their skills and expertise are already known to some of the group. Most appropriate where selection is from a narrow pool of potential members.

  Drawbacks? May present limited opportunity to review relevant skills and experience objectively or check whether they meet essential criteria for the role. Relies a lot on the organisation’s familiarity with the applicants and therefore disadvantages those who may be new to area and may bring new skills or experiences. Also difficult to be completely fair and consistent if choosing between applicants.
  

• Submission of CV
  
  Usual process in larger organisations or where an organisation wishes to attract individuals from a wider geographical area or individuals with particular experience or expertise who may not already be known to the organisation.

  Benefits? Allows candidates known or new to the organisation to be assessed on a fair and consistent basis. Helps ensure that selection practices are transparent and accountable. Applicants can be measured against criteria. Encourages applicants to consider in advance the demands of the role and whether they have the appropriate skills and qualities.

  Drawbacks? Some applicants and some organisations may find the formality offputting. CVs can be of varying detail and quality and may not present candidates in equal light. May disadvantage those for whom English is not their first language or those with a disability.
  
  
• Application form

  Preferred by some large organisations or where an organisation wishes to formally request permission to check criminal records due to financial responsibilities involved or access to children or vulnerable adults through role.

  Benefits? Ensures that all candidates are asked to present same categories of information and therefore increases fairness and consistency. Questions can be tailored to requirements of the role ensuring selection is on basis of relevant information only. Formal requests for checking criminal records or declarations on other issues which could preclude their membership can be incorporated.

  Drawbacks? Approach is very formal and time-consuming for the applicant and may reduce the number of applications.

2. Who will determine who is eligible to be put forward for committee membership?

It is advisable, where possible, to involve more than one person in determining eligibility. Depending on your organisation, this may be carried out by:

• Chair/Secretary of the Management Committee
• Delegated committee members
• Chief officer alongside committee members

As with any other recruitment situation, applications should be treated confidentially.

3. What criteria will they use to determine who is eligible?

Each organisation needs to be clear who is and is not eligible to be considered for Management Committee membership (e.g. your governing document may specify that previous committee members cannot be reappointed within 3 years).

Your criteria should be based on any requirements and then any additional requirements set down by the Management Committee.

Consider the following points:

• Does your governing document require Management Committee members to be members of the organisation?
• Can individuals under 18 years of age be Committee members? Individuals under the age of 18 cannot usually be on the Management Committee of a Charity. However, they may be permitted to be on the Management Committee of a non-charitable voluntary or community group. The test is whether the individual understands their duties and responsibilities. Groups are advised to take specific advice on this matter. For further details contact NICVA’s Charity Advice Service on 028 9087 7777 or email cas@nicva.org
• Does your governing document specify any organisations or constituencies that must be represented?
• What categories of people are legally disqualified from becoming a trustee?
• Do you require any specific expertise, personal qualities or experience to be a Committee member?
• Does your governing document specify any restrictions relating to applications by current or past Committee members?
• How will you identify and assess conflicts of interest? Will applicants be asked to complete declaration forms?

For guidance on relevant legal requirements, check DSD's Guide for Trustees or NICVA's Advice Note 7: Charity Trustee Duties.

4. What are your formal procedures for appointment to the Management Committee?

Most Management Committee members become involved in a group/organisation through an election process, usually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). But there are other ways that individuals may join. If you are unsure check your governing document for the rules for how new members join.

The following table outlines various ways individuals may become involved on a Management Committee.

View sample election process
More on planning for recruitment
Worksheet: Developing your recruitment & appointment procedures