The chair's main role is to ensure the smooth and effective running of the branch committee.
As the branches figurehead, they should drive an open and inclusive environment for the members, promote the branches public image and encourage the development of the branch.
They are responsible for the social and financial management of the branch to support the branch members.
Ideally, an experienced member of the branch who is respected by the member, must be approachable, have good management skills, and remain unbiased.
Their formal role is to chair the branch meetings and to ensure that they are effectively run and controlled. These meetings would include committee meetings, special general meetings, emergency general meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Should the Chair be unavailable, then the meeting would be run by a nominated officer or Vice-Chair.
As Chair, they have a vote, but this would usually be used as a casting vote in the event of a tie.
Dos and don’ts
- Do encourage members engagement
- Do promote branch development
- Do delegate roles and responsibilities
- Do seek advice if unsure
- Don’t panic about responsibility
- Don’t impose extra rules
- Don’t get personal
Delegation develops successors
