This post explains typical roles on a non profit board of directors or trustees. The board has the collective role of governing the organisation and can nominate someone to take the lead on a particular matter, such as the chair and the treasurer. Board members with special roles are sometimes known as officers. However, even when someone is given a special roles, all board members typically remain jointly responsible for the running of the organisation.
The larger the organisation, the more that day-to-day functions will be delegated to employees. However, in small organisations, it is often up to the board members to both oversee strategy and implement practical actions.
This post explores some of the common roles given to individuals on the board and provides guidance on the specific responsibilities often associated with each role.
Board role descriptions
The role of chair is to ensure the board spends its time on the issues that matter.
| Area | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Agenda | |
| Minutes | |
| Composition |
Further reading
The role of the company secretary is to oversee the legal and governance issues associated with the organisation’s corporate and charity structure.
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Area |
Tasks |
|---|---|
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Record keeping |
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Insurance |
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Companies House |
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| Charity Commission (f applicable) | |
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Bank accounts |
Further reading
The role of health, safety & risk management is to anticipate issues that might cause injury or otherwise damage the operations or reputation of the organisation and put in place measures to mitigate risk.
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Area |
Tasks |
|---|---|
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Health & safety |
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Risk management |
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Data protection |
Further reading
The role of the treasurer is to manage the organisation's finances.
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Area |
Tasks |
|---|---|
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Financial policies |
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Record keeping |
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Reporting |
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Budgeting |
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Annual accounts |
Further reading
The role of the employment officer is to ensure that the organisation looks after its employees well.
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Area |
Tasks |
|---|---|
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Employment contracts |
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Employment policies |
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Management |
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Employee issues & grievances |
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Leave |
Further reading
The roles of PR, communications, membership and fundraising can easily be sub-divided if you have sufficient skills on the board. Broadly the role these functions cover is to oversee the externally facing activity of the organisation so that it maintains the organisation's reputation and leads to sustainable sources of income.
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Area |
Tasks |
|---|---|
| Membership | |
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Grants |
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Events |
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Website & social media |
Further reading
Date:
23 September 2020
