3.3 Duties of the Chairperson
- consult beforehand with the Secretary on the business to be discussed.
- conduct the business according to the order of the agenda paper, unless it is altered with the consent of the meeting.
- confine discussion to the item the meeting is considering. To see that each agenda item is dealt with and concluded before passing on to the next.
- the Chairperson is there to guide the meeting but not to force his/her own point of view on the Committee.
- He/she should give all those wishing to speak an opportunity to do so. All discussion should be addressed through the Chair and the Chairperson should make sure that there is no private discussion of personal matters introduced. Personal remarks and offensive language are of course out of order.
- the Chairperson should make sure that only one person speaks at a time.
- the Chairperson should explain the reasons for any ruling, for example if he/she stops a discussion because the Committee is getting away from the point or because the discussion is becoming too personal.
- there must be a Chairperson at meetings. If the elected Chairperson cannot be present, the Vice Chairperson should chair the meeting. If the Vice Chairperson is also absent, someone must be elected to conduct that meeting.
The Vice Chairperson must understand all the duties of the Chairperson and be able to deputise effectively.