How to form a committee for your community group

The following  information is intended to help you in the process of forming an association, to understand the functions of the committee and its members.

What is a committee?

A committee is elected by the members of a community association to continue the work of the association between general meetings. It is the committee members' responsibility to make sure that decisions taken at its association's general meeting are acted on during their year in office.

What size should a committee be?

Most committees have between 12 and 15 members. Committees with more than 15 members tend to be unwieldy and difficult to operate. committees with less than 6 people tend to be unrepresentative.

Who and what are the office bearers or honorary officers?

Every member of a committee has an important role to play and contribution to make. However, there are 3 posts or offices which need to be filled in order that the committee can operate effectively.

  • The chairperson, whose role is chairing committee meetings and acting as spokesperson on behalf of the community association when necessary.
  • The treasurer, whose role is looking after the association's income and expenditure.
  • The secretary, whose role is dealing with the association's organisation, including arranging meetings and taking minutes.