The Management Committee

The ultimate authority in a non-profit body rests with its management committee (or board) of persons who are elected by members on an annual basis. Typically a management committee will comprise a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a number of Ordinary Committee Members defined by the organisation's Memorandum of Articles and Association (the constitution).

The management committee will meet on a monthly basis and will oversee and ensure that:

• the organisation's activities are within parameters set down by the strategic and operational plans
• employees and members of the association conduct the affairs of the association ethically and legally

Management committees in non-profit organisations are often comprised of individuals from all walks of life, are highly motivated, make a great contribution to the organisation and work tirelessly without remuneration.

On the other hand members of management committees are usually persons without formal training for the roles they perform and possessing very limited understanding and knowledge of the dynamics of the recreation industry. They are also constrained in what they can achieve within the organisation as they must earn a living elsewhere and often have family responsibilities.

Some management committee members may be very "hands-on" and are instrumental to the implementation of the plan. Other committee members may not necessarily play any role in the day-to-day running of the organisation and perform only an advisory role through their position on the committee.