Chairperson & Vice - Chairperson
The Chairperson is the “lynchpin” of the group, who guides the group towards its’ aims and is the “guardian” of the constitution, they support other committee members and makes sure that things get done but does NOT do everything.
Main Responsibilities
1. Chair committee and general meetings
2. Be fair and impartial, two basic principles apply.
i) The will of the majority must prevail
ii) The rights of the minority and of each member of the association must be protected
3. Sign minutes when they have been agreed at meetings
4. Keeps meetings on track (i.e. keeps to the agenda and keeps meetings to time)
5. Make sure that all meetings are orderly
6. Make sure activities and decisions are reported back to members
7. Make sure everyone gets a chance to “have their say” at meetings
8. Assists the committee to find common ground
9. Summarises discussions and clarifies decisions
10. Delegates tasks to committee members
11. Reports to the committee any decisions made between committee meetings
12. Have a second or casting vote where there is no clear majority
13. Introduces and welcomes guests / new members at meetings
14. Closes meetings
A lot of the work of the Chairperson takes place outside of meetings. For example:
1. Prepare Agendas (with Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and other members)
2. Encourage and support committee members in carrying out their allocated tasks
3. Act as a representative of the group at “outside” meetings
4. Be kept up to date on all activities being carried out on behalf of the group
5. Take “Chairs’ Action” where appropriate (i.e. in an emergency, where a decision must be made and the Chair has no way of contacting other committee members)
The Vice-Chairs’ job description is the same as above in the Chairs absence. It is therefore important that the Vice-Chair understands the Chairs’ role and is kept fully up to date on the groups’ activities.
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