Chairperson

The Society Chairperson as ultimately responsible for the society’s activities and for its relations within College and outside. They oversee the society committee and ensure that the Treasurer, Secretary, PRO are fulfilling their roles and keeping in touch with the CSC.

Guidelines for Dealing with conflict 

CHAIRING MEETINGS

Chair all committee meetings of the society, and be aware when general meetings of the CSC are taking place so that you can involve your committee in decisions that are to be voted on by your Treasurer on the Society’s behalf. Even though the treasurer holds the power to vote, you may of course attend all general meetings.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Chairperson and Treasurer are jointly responsible for the society’s finances. Ensure that you keep an eye on the finances of the society, as you can be held personally liable for any debts incurred. The Chairperson works with the Treasurer and the rest of the committee in deciding what activities they plan on running during the year and so what funding is needed.

APPLYING FOR GRANTS

Grants and accounts are completed via www.cscgrants.com – In October, following Society Officer Training and once the committee, led by the Chair has decided on the society’s needs for the year they must fill out the online Grant Application. The Chair and the Treasurer may be asked to attend an Executive meeting of the CSC to run through your application and explain any queries the Exec may have. You should include as much detail as possible on the actual Grant Application, but if you need something before the applications are open, or at any stage later in the year, you can apply on a supplementary grant application form which is available online at the same address.

Running a Society Committee

The secret to running a society and getting a degree, is successful delegation and teamwork! Your society constitution should be clear on the responsibilities of the three main officers: Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. You may have to allocate different duties to other committee members, but make sure that everyone knows their own responsibility. Once these jobs have been established, let everyone get on with them. Avoid telling people how to do their jobs, support one another and make sure that every committee member pulls their weight.

  • Meet and make a provisional plan of activities for the year, this need not be set in stone, but it’s a good starting point.
  • Hold regular committee meetings. If you don’t have access to a society room, you may use the Eliz Rooms 10 – 5 or one of the three Atrium rooms between 10 – 9. Ask in the CSC staff to book the Eliz room or book the Atrium here 
  • Respect the role that everybody plays on the committee and that everyone is volunteering their time and effort to the society. It is important to work as a team, communicate with one another and recognise that everybody’s ideas and contributions are valid.