Committees play a crucial role in the governance and operational efficiency of organizations. They are formed to address specific tasks, issues, or areas of interest, bringing together individuals with diverse expertise and perspectives. By delegating responsibilities to committees, organizations can ensure that complex issues are thoroughly examined and that decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This collaborative approach not only enhances decision-making but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and accountability among members.

The structure and function of committees can vary widely depending on their purpose and the organization they serve. Some committees are permanent, such as executive or audit committees, while others may be temporary, formed to address a particular project or issue. Regardless of their duration, all committees benefit from clearly defined Terms of Reference (ToR), which outline their objectives, scope, membership, and procedures. This document serves as a guiding framework, ensuring that the committee operates efficiently and remains focused on its goals.

Effective committees are characterized by clear communication, regular meetings, and a commitment to achieving their objectives. Members are typically selected based on their expertise and ability to contribute to the committee’s work. By leveraging the collective knowledge and skills of its members, a committee can provide valuable insights and recommendations that support the broader goals of the organization. In this way, committees are essential to fostering a collaborative and informed approach to organizational governance and decision-making.

Types of committees

Standing committee

These committees are created by the standing orders, rules, by-laws or regulations of an organization. They exist & function more or less on a permanent basis (for example, a finance committee, education committee, nomination committee, executive committee). The board usually takes all advice and recommendations from a standing committee

Ad hoc committee

These committees are appointed or created for a particular purpose or on a short-term basis. The committee is dissolved when the job is complete (for example, a committee appointed to build a playground or plan a conference).

Advisory committee

Advisory committees may be standing or ad hoc and are often set up at the request of or on the condition of a funding body.

All types of committees may form sub-committees if the work loads are very heavy or complex in nature

In the sections below you will find many articles written by specialists with hands-on experience in committee and meeting organization, processes and procedures. In addition there are many links to external resources. Together these resources make MyCLib a great stop when you need committee management information.

• Starting a committee
  

  You are asked to create a new committee or to take over a committee for the first time. What do you need? Where do you start?

• Chairing a committee

  There is more to chairing a committee than simply organizing meetings. How to run efficient meetings and keep your members motivated, how do you know you are still on track, how to solve conflicts and much more...

• Policies & procedures

  For many committees, policies and procedures are the only reason for their existence. Some committees are just tasked with the development and maintenance of policies and procedures. Reason enough to dedicate a special section to this subject.

• Tools & templates

  You're not alone! There is a lot of material and tools available to help you with managing your committee and meetings and make your live a lot easier.

Click here to learn more about MyCommittee.