1.0 Introduction
Welcome to the Management Committee Handbook for those who have responsibilities for community buildings.
Management Committees and Boards have a vital role to play, and they are essential to the functioning and development of community buildings. This role can become more complex, for example as local populations change or new regulations come into force.
This pack is designed to help you to be more informed and so more effective. It includes advice and information on the distinct roles, for example what it means to be a chairperson, secretary, or treasurer. It also contains guidance on issues such as health and safety, equal opportunities, recruitment and much more.
This is intended as a reference pack. It is not something to read from cover to cover rather it is for dipping into from time to time or when a particular issue arises. You might want to look at particular sections as a group, to allow for discussion, rather than just one individual taking responsibility.
Remember that the committee can always ask Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) or their local Connected Communities Team for help, advice, and training.
You will see that the first section is The Basics. It is best to give new members just this section. The full resource pack could be very daunting for newcomers, but this section will introduce them to the role and how the building runs. You should include in it copies of your constitution, latest Annual Report, and the activity programme, as well as any other information about activities.
We plan to update the content at least once a year, but there is always a possibility that items may be out of date, for example if there has been a recent change in legislation, so we advise you to check if in doubt.
We are grateful to VCEL (Volunteer Centre East Lothian) and to SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) for permission to reproduce their leaflets and other materials.
Other sources of advice and information are also signposted in the relevant sections of the pack.
Alongside this pack it is important to highlight the management committees and boards can access training through VCEL on fundraising and Trustee roles and responsibilities; Training and Events | Volunteer Centre East Lothian — Volunteer Centre East Lothian — VCEL (volunteereastlothian.org.uk)