Members

 

The Cambridge Branch is responsible for supporting families across the East of England and this region is very fortunate as it is the only region in the country to currently have a Regional Coordinator employed by CLAPA.  The Branch will therefore have the support of this role and we would expect the new Chairperson to work closely with the Regional Coordinator, the National Office and other Committee members.

The description below outlines the key aspects of the role which would suit an organised and enthusiastic person who is passionate about supporting people affected by cleft lip and palate in the East of England.

 The Chairperson would be joining an enthusiastic group of Committee Members, some of whom have been involved for several years and others who have only recently come on board.

 If you would like to discuss the role further, please call me on 07854 298304 or email me at .  If you would like to be involved in the Branch but do not feel you can commit to the role of Chairperson, please still get in touch as their may be other positions available.

 

Primary Roles of Officers

 

15.       Chairperson

               

CLAPA branches are part of a national network.  The chairperson should be in regular contact with CLAPA Head Office to ensure that branch aims are consistent with national aims and that the branch plays an active on the national as well as the local level. The chairperson should ensure that the branch and its committee undertake its work effectively and in accordance with CLAPA’s constitution.  The chairperson should foster links with other branches and promote joint projects.

 

Role description:

·         Be available for a yearly meeting of branch members and CLAPA Volunteer Manager to discuss the branch’s individual goals and decide activities the branch could undertake to achieve them in the following year.

·         Set agendas and chair all branch meetings (minimum of 3 p.a. including AGM), ensuring committee meetings are arranged and run effectively.

 

·         Ensure branch activities are carried out according to CLAPA Local Branch Constitution document.

·         Responsible with Treasurer for preparing and monitoring the annual budget and following up any irregularities highlighted by financial control procedures.

·         Responsible for raising CLAPA’s profile and developing branch activities.

·         Maintain regular contact with Head Office, providing regular updates on branch activities.

·         Ensure Head Office is sent a completed ‘Volunteer Event Registration Form’, ‘Risk Assessment Form’ and ‘Event Budget Form’ for all branch activities at least 6 weeks before the date of the event.

·         Promote volunteering and branch membership, actively seeking, accepting and encouraging new members.

·         Ensure an AGM is held every year and that the annual statement of accounts and report of branch activities is sent to Head Office before June 1^st each year.

 

·         Ensure income and expenditure is properly accounted for.

 

·         Ensure branch accounts are prepared by the Treasurer.

 

The actual tasks and work performed by the chairperson can vary between different branches.  Tasks can be shared between committee members, helping to prevent one person from being overworked and giving everyone a chance to gain experience.  Much depends on the skills and time offered by other committee members, but a key aim for a chairperson should be to encourage new volunteers and to let other people develop their skills and experience.