Key Points

  • No matter if you are a big or small organisation, there are some jobs that must be done for the organisation to continue
  • The main leadership roles – Chair or President, Secretary and Treasurer – are roles that get these jobs done
  • Each of these jobs have some individual requirements on top of the need to work as a team with the rest of the Board or Committee

Every organisation will have its own setup when it comes to its leadership structure. There will also be some differences in how many leadership roles are appointed and how sub-committees will work, if there are any.  This is because organisations customise their set-up to match their purpose, size, traditions, formality, legal requirements and the outcomes they are working to achieve.  Despite these variations, there are some core roles that need to be clearly understood because there are tasks and responsibilities attached to particular roles that are essential. Basically, some tasks must be done by someone for the organisation to continue.

Often these core roles are called the Chair, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the like.  Taking on these roles – whether you “volunteered” or were “voluntold”- is enormously rewarding. You will learn things that will advance your career, you’ll make lifelong friends and you will make the world a better place.  So it is handy to understand a little about each of the main leadership roles – particularly the Chair – so that you know which one is right for you.

Do what you can to find time to get to know your new role and its unique responsibilities. Stay in touch with the outgoing President, Secretary or Treasurer, as they can provide a lot of help, guidance and camaraderie.

Top Tip

Do what you can to find time to get to know your new role and its unique responsibilities. Stay in touch with the outgoing President, Secretary or Treasurer, as they can provide a lot of help, guidance and camaraderie.

Want more? ... check out these resources

Webpage – Institute of Community Directors – 2 minute read

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This webpage is a good recap on what boards do before you delve into the special roles of President, Secretary, Treasurer and the like.

Article – DIY Committee Guide – 1 minute read

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This article by DIY Committee Guide is a quick one-page weblink that outlines the main duties of the Chairperson, but also has downloadable guides about running effective meetingschairing meetings, reviewing the governance, policies and procedures

Booklet – Institute of Community Directors – 1 -2 hours

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The Institute of Community Directors has a comprehensive booklet called Damn Good Advice for Chairs – 25 questions and answers for not-for-profit chairs. Take your time with this one.  There is a lot here so you may want to take it a few sections at a time.

FactSheet – Institute of Company Directors – 1 minute read

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Chairing the Committee meeting is one of the Chairs most central roles, so it could be useful to brush up on a few tips for running the proceedings.

Article – Institute of Community Directors – 2 minute read

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This webpage has great tips for a new Treasurer. Scroll to the end to find a handy list of eight things to do as soon as you get the job.

Booklet – Institute of Community Directors – 1-2 hours

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The Institute of Community Directors has a comprehensive advice guide Damn Good Advice for Board Secretaries – 27 questions every not-for-profit secretary needs to ask.  It is lengthy so try to find time to break it up and come back to it when you need as you grow into the role.

Board Pack – Community Governance New Zealand – 1 hour read

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Here is a simple introductory pack with a lot of tools, templates and tips for community governance processes.  It is from Community Governance NZ and while the regulatory requirements are different, it has generic information that could be adapted. 

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