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Information and ideas for boards and committees

Committee chair responsibilities

A committee chair has several key responsibilities to ensure the effective functioning of the committee. Here are some of the main duties:

  • Planning meetings: The chair is responsible for organizing and scheduling committee meetings. This includes setting the date, time, and location, as well as preparing and distributing the agenda in advance
  • Facilitating meetings: During meetings, the chair leads the discussion, ensures that all members have the opportunity to contribute, and keeps the meeting on track. They also manage any conflicts that arise and ensure that decisions are made democratically
  • Reporting: The chair is responsible for preparing reports on the committee's activities and presenting them to the board or other relevant bodies. This includes summarizing discussions, decisions, and any recommendations
  • Coordinating with other committees: The chair may need to schedule and facilitate cross-committee meetings to ensure collaboration and alignment on shared goals
  • Managing documentation: The chair ensures that meeting minutes are accurately recorded and distributed, and that all committee documents are managed and accessible to members
  • Leadership and guidance: The chair provides leadership to the committee, helping to set goals and objectives, and guiding the committee in achieving them. They also support and mentor committee members as needed

These responsibilities require strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to ensure the committee operates smoothly and effectively.