This course will introduce residents and community representatives to the key skills needed to run successful committee meetings

The course will cover:

• The role of a committee and its relationship to the people on whose behalf it is acting
• The practicalities of organising committee meetings, including constitutions, ground-rules, advance information, venues, room lay-out, timing, and meeting special needs
• Understanding the jargon associated with committees
• The role and responsibilities of the secretary, and how to prepare agendas and write minutes
• An introduction to the role and responsibilities of the chairperson
• Key skills for holding effective discussions and reaching decisions
  The typical difficulties experienced by committees, and how to overcome them.

Your trainer for the day is Roger Saunders. Roger has worked in social housing and regeneration for 25 years. In his career so far he has been a tenant activist, actor, co-op manager, writer, trainer, consultant, neighbourhood renewal adviser and chief executive. In 2005 he set up Choosing Change, which aims to help people and communities make the changes they need. His training is relaxed, friendly and engaging.