The Essential Society Secretary

Introduction

For societies registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

Every society must have a secretary who is the main person responsible in law for ensuring that the functions listed in this guide are carried out.

The whole governing body, more commonly referred to as the board or committee, may be held responsible if these functions are not actioned.

The secretary does not necessarily have to perform each and every task as the society could delegate responsibility to other members. It is usual for the secretary to know more about the governing document, commonly referred to as the ‘rules’ of the society, than other governing body [1] members and to ensure that all relevant legislation is complied with.

[1] The governing body is commonly referred to as the ‘board of directors’ or ‘board’