Getting the most from your club's committee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKYHlvIU1Qw

Your committee shapes the future of your club.

It sets direction, controls finances, manages risk and represents your members. When it works well, your club feels organised and confident. When it does not, decisions stall, volunteers burn out and progress slows.

If you want to get more from your committee, you need structure, clarity and accountability.

Here are 7 practical steps you can take to improve your committee’s effectiveness.

1. Be clear about purpose

   
   

Your committee exists to serve the club and its members.

It should focus on:

• Setting vision, mission and values

• Providing strategic direction

• Monitoring plans and performance• Managing risk and compliance

  
  

If your agenda is full of minor operational detail, you are not working at the right level.

Write clear terms of reference. Define purpose, powers, membership, reporting lines and meeting frequency. Review them annually.

2. Keep the structure simple

Most community clubs operate well with 5 to 9 committee members. Large committees slow decision making.

At a minimum, you will usually need:

• Chair

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Welfare Officer

Only create additional roles where there is clear need.

If one area dominates meetings, set up a sub-committee with a clear remit and reporting process. The main committee remains responsible for final decisions.

3. Recruit for skills, not just willingness

   
   

Enthusiasm matters. Skills matter more.

List the skills your club needs. Finance, governance, safeguarding, fundraising, marketing, facilities. Then assess what you already have.

Identify gaps and recruit intentionally. Be open about the time commitment and responsibilities. Provide written role descriptions.

Aim for diversity. A committee that reflects your membership will make better decisions and reduce blind spots.

Plan for turnover. Healthy rotation prevents burnout and avoids a closed culture.

4. Set clear expectations

Committee members share collective responsibility. Even if someone misses a meeting, they remain responsible for decisions taken.

Make sure members:

• Act within the constitution

• Declare conflicts of interest

• Prepare for meetings

• Complete agreed actions

• Maintain confidentiality where required

Provide a proper induction. Share the constitution, financial overview and key policies at the start.

5. Run focused meetings

   
   

Poor meetings lose volunteers.

To improve yours:

• Circulate agenda and papers in advance

• Separate information from decision items

• Keep discussion focused on the agenda

• Record clear actions with named owners

• Start and finish on time

• Close every meeting with a summary of actions and deadlines.

6. Stay strategic and accountable

Your committee carries ultimate responsibility for:

• Legal compliance

• Financial oversight

• Risk management

• Accountability to members and funders

Make sure you understand your financial position. Review budgets, monitor cash flow and ensure appropriate insurance is in place.

If your club is unincorporated, committee members may carry personal liability in certain circumstances. Good governance protects both the club and the individuals involved.

7. Review performance annually

   
   

At least once a year, ask:

• Are we clear on our priorities?

• Are meetings productive?

• Do we have the right people in the right roles?

• Is our structure still fit for purpose?

If something is not working, change it. Governance should enable progress, not block it.

How Club Development Solutions can help

At Club Development Solutions, we work directly with sports clubs to strengthen governance and improve committee effectiveness.

We can help you:

• Review and update your constitution

• Clarify committee roles and terms of reference

• Conduct a committee skills audit

• Undertake a governance review and report

• Design a simple governance structure

• Facilitate committee workshops and planning sessions

• Support succession planning and recruitment

We provide practical, tailored advice based on your club’s size, structure and ambitions.

If you want a committee that leads with confidence and supports long term sustainability, get in touch with us today.