TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING PARTIES

The characteristics of committees are typically as follows:

* They are established as part of the organisational structure, have an ongoing role, and have an indeterminate lifetime.
* Their membership is representative of stakeholders.
* They have statutory or delegated powers, as well as advisory responsibilities.
* They develop policy.
* They oversee an area of management of the company.
* They receive reports to monitor and evaluate.
* They establish small groups to give detailed advice on complex matters.
* They have formal agenda papers.
* They have formal minutes that are considered and approved at the next meeting of the committee, and in some cases the minutes are signed by the Chair to indicate confirmation by the committee.
* They observe formal meeting procedure.

By contrast, the characteristics of working parties are typically as follows:

* They are usually established on an ad hoc basis, with a limited lifetime.
* They may or may not be representative of stakeholders
* They will contain experts on the matter to be considered.
* Their task is specified in advance, with a measurable outcome.
* They may report to a parent committee or to an individual, e.g. a senior officer.
* Their meetings will be less formal.
* Formal minutes are not needed, but may require brief notes and/or action sheets to be prepared.