Delegation to sub committees

Some boards delegate work or decisions to sub-committees. A sub-committee is a group established under the charity’s governing document, carrying out specific work on behalf of the board and reporting back to the board.

Boards must have a power in the governing document to delegate decisions to sub-committees. The governing document, or associated rules, might also lay down specific rules governing sub-committees, such the minimum number of trustees required to form a sub-committee.

The board remain ultimately responsible for any decisions delegated. The role and authority of a sub-committee should be clear and laid down in writing in a ‘terms of reference’. Sub-committees with delegated decision making authority should promptly report back to the trustee board on the use of that authority and the actions taken.