What is a management committee?While the Merry Men usually became members of the band once they had defeated Robin Hood in a duel, today we have a much less painful way of forming a management committee.

A management committee is usually elected by members of the organisation to act on their behalf and ensure that the organisation operates in a legally responsible manner to achieve aims, objectives and performance that have been agreed upon.

Most management committees will have the followings roles:

  • President or Chair: This role ensures that the committee of management provides effective leadership and performance of the organisation. It is often the main link between the committee of management and the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.
  • Secretary: This role is mainly responsible for the administration of the management committee and ensures agendas, minutes and reports are prepared and accurately maintained, legal documents are kept up to date and lodged as required, membership details are up to date.
  • Treasurer: This role ensures that the financial performance of the organisation is in order and that financial reports are prepared, are accurate and presented to the management committee at each meeting.

Even though these roles are designated to individuals, the other members of the management committee have the same legal responsibilities and so they must understand the information they are presented with and ramifications of the decisions that are made.

The management committee is also responsible for some other key functions that include:

  • Governance Framework: These are the set of policies and procedures that provide a framework as to how the organisation operates.
  • Financial Accountability: Monitoring the financial performance of the organisation and that they comply with a number of legal obligations that include taxation laws, accounting and audit standards, OH&S laws and ASIC reporting requirements.
  • Strategic Plan: Ensure the organisation has a Strategic Plan that will incorporate a Vision and Mission and sets out the main objectives for the organisation and how they will be achieved.
  • Fundraising: Managing donation and grants and making sure that are used as intended.

Usually the management committee is the driving force behind the organisation so it needs to be well structured and include individuals with a range of skills and experience.

Picture by laurelfan