The management committee are equally responsible in law for committee actions and decisions. They are collectively responsible and accountable for ensuring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent and complies with all its obligations.

The committee as a whole has a responsibility to:

• Meet at least as often as stated in the Governing Document. If the committee doesn't meet regularly then it can't manage the running of the organisation properly
• Ensure the organisation follows its aims and objectives
• Carry out its aims in accordance with the law. Even if you are not a registered charity it doesn't mean that you can be irresponsible and mismanage the organisation. Following Charity Law is good practice for all voluntary organisations and mandatory for registered charities
• Ensure the organisation manages its finances properly
• Ensure that activities carried out and decisions made are in the best interests of the organisation and not any individual member of the committee. If necessary, the committee can organise sub-committees to take on specific tasks such as finance or for organising an event

Having an induction process for new management committee members can help to involve them properly from the start. You could have an introduction pack which includes your constitution, the organisation’s policies and a copy of the recent accounts. Ensure that new members aren't bombarded with lots of jargon.

A successful committee follows the four C’s:

• Constitution - this is your governing document and makes clear what you can do
• Commitment - it’s hard going sometimes, but remember the difference you hope to make
• Communication - keep in touch with each other, your organisation and the wider community
• Curiosity - keep asking questions and look for ways to improve and support your organisation

References:

www.diycommitteeguide.org

www.boltoncvs.org.uk