Who's who?

Who are they?

What do they do?

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 most senior staff member.

Senior staff member

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

The most senior staff member 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:

• Receives 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.

Volunteers

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.

Sub-Committees

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.

Members

(of the organisation, not management committee members)

Members are individuals who have opted to join the organisation in order to register their support for its activities and/or to have some influence on how the organisation is run.  Membership schemes are defined by the organisation's governing documents and may involve paying a subscription.

Special features:

• Have voting powers (e.g. at the AGM) for electing management committee members and voting on tabled motions.
• Management committee members usually need to be existing members
• Are supporters of the organisation.