What is a Committee?

A Committee is the body of people given the power to supervise, manage or "govern" a company, organisation or group. Like the community groups they govern, not-for-profit committees come in all different shapes and sizes.

The basic roles of a committee are:

• to provide purpose, leadership, direction and strategy;
• to ensure the group's finances are sound; and
• to make sure the group's operations are legal.

The committee needs to look at the big picture, carry out constant assessment of the group's performance and guide it towards its goals. In doing so, the committee is responsible for:

• formulating a mission;
• setting out a strategic vision;
• carrying out risk management;
• attending meetings and making key decisions about the group;
• ensuring all legal and financial responsibilities are carried out;
• selecting and overseeing the group's CEO (if the group has paid staff);
• overseeing or carrying out fundraising;
• advocating on behalf of the group to the community;
• carrying the community's views back to the group; and
• evaluating and improving its own effectiveness.

Who can be a Committee member?

You do not usually have to have any specific qualifications to be a committee member, although it is true that some skills (such as legal, financial, networking or management skills) are often in more demand than others.

A committee member does need to be "eligible" in the eyes of the law to hold that position.

An eligible person generally is:

• An adult (over 18 years of age);
• Not insolvent or under administration; and,
• Not disqualified under the group's constitution or due to a breach of their duties.

The best committees are those that are inclusive, comprising people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and representing a wide variety of views and skills. Good committees are also strongly representative of the people they serve. Indeed, while it is important for community groups to reach out to places like the business community to rejuvenate their committees, it is important that the community itself retains firmly in the driver's seat. Outcomes are never sustainable unless communities are in control.

What do I need to know before I join a Committee?

A person should never accept a committee position without knowing what they are signing up for. When you agree to take on a governance role you are accepting a range of legal, moral and ethical responsibilities. You should therefore have a good knowledge of the community group you are being asked to govern, how it works, why it exists, and how it does what it does. You need to know who you will be governing alongside, what role you will be expected to fulfill and what skills and how much time you will need to devote to the role.

You will also need to examine your own reasons for wanting to join a committee and what you hope to get out of your service - this will help you to decide whether or not your expectations can be fulfilled. Of course, you should also know what you are set to gain. Most community group committee members agree that any frustrations are hugely outweighed by the satisfaction. Benefits include:

• Being given the opportunity to "make a difference" and have a real say in how a community group is governed.
• Being exposed to new challenges and thereby gaining new knowledge and skills.
• Getting to know new people and expanding your networks.
• Being inspired through the exposure to a committed, effective team.
• Being inspired through the work of others associated with the community group - its members, volunteers, supporters and the people who benefit from its services.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the BBIFMAC management committee or would like to make a nomination, click HERE to download a nomination form.

Completed nomination forms must be handed in to Tamika at the BBIFMAC office by Monday the 20th Oct 2008.