Roles

Chairperson

The chairperson takes the lead role in the meeting. They will read out each item on the agenda one at a time and introduce who will lead the discussion for that item.

It is the responsibility of the chairperson to manage the group so that everyone stays on task, everyone has a chance to speak and, and when they need to be, decisions are made.

If you are the chairperson, you may find that sometimes:

• someone talks more than their fair share

• the discussion goes off task

• people get distressed or angry

• decisions are not reached and the discussion goes around in circles

Keeping everyone clam and on track takes practice, but it helps to know some of the tricks for dealing with difficult people and difficult situations. Click HERE to find out more.

Secretary

The secretary is responsible for all the administrative work needed for the meeting. This includes setting out the agenda, receiving and sending any letters/emails and booking the room the meeting will be held in. During the meeting, the secretary's most important job is to take the minutes . Some groups do not have secretaries so their job is shared amongst other members of the group.

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for any money and budget matters. They usually give a report to the group about the finances and make sure that accounts balance.