Community Organisations: Capabilities of Office Holders

Many community organisations hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) around this time of year. The purpose of an AGM is to give members a report on the organisation’s activities and finances for the previous year, to allow time for members to ask questions, and to elect members of your governing body (board or committee members) for the coming year.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission advise that you should ensure you have enough eligible and suitable people who are ready to nominate for any vacancies on the board. This sounds simple, but in an environment of shrinking volunteer numbers, populating your board with well-equipped people can be challenging.

Here’s what you are looking for:

Chairperson:

• Knowledge of the organisation, its processes and procedures
• Ability to chair meetings: ensure that all the business is discussed in line with the agenda, that everyone’s views are heard and discussed, that clear decisions are reached and accepted and that they follow up to make sure agreed actions are carried out in line with Board decisions
• Personal characteristics that ensure the success of the organisation such as strength and ability to support others while being resilient themselves
• Excellent communication skills that inspire confidence and keep external pressures at bay.

Treasurer:

• Ability to get a good grasp of taxation requirements and the organisation’s governing documents
• Ability to balance a vision for the long-term financial success of the organisation along with the ability to take care of the everyday small details
• Ability to keep financial records in a clear and methodical fashion
• Ability to educate other committee members about finances and to teach them how to use incoming funds to meet organisational goals
• Personal characteristics such as honesty and confidentiality.

Secretary:

• Organised and methodical
• Up-to-date skills and the ability to learn new skills and procedures with ease
• Great oral and written communication skills
• Personal characteristics such as an easy-going nature, good judgement, confidentiality.

• Topics:

• Community Groups