Member of Business Committee

Role Description

Role Title
Governance Area

                 Member of Business Committee

The Business Committee has strategic and operational
oversight of the work of General Assembly and Assembly
Executive, including at times working under its delegated
authority.
General Secretary and Business Committee Convenor

Main points of
contact
Connected Roles
Sources of Support  Operational support is provided by the Business Committee

Business Committee

Location

Convenor; Administrative support is provided by the PA to the
General Secretary
The majority of meetings will be online with at least one evening
meeting per year.
One annual residential meeting will take place at a venue
conveniently accessed by the members of the Business Committee.

Time Commitment

Remuneration

A pattern of 3 online meetings and 1 residential per annum (Fri/Sat)
depending on the dates and times suitable for the membership of
committee, plus additional follow up work between meetings.
Volunteers are not remunerated. The URC will ensure financial
expenses incurred by volunteers whilst supporting the work of the
Committee will be reimbursed, in accordance with the URC
expenses policy.

Background: As part of the Church Life Review, the remit of the Business
Committee was extended with new terms of reference agreed by the February 2024
Assembly Executive as outlined in Paper A1
Committee Summary:  The Business Committee reports to General Assembly and
Assembly Executive. It ensures transparency, accountability, and effective
governance within the United Reformed Church by reporting on its activities,
proposing initiatives and collaborating with others, and establishing systems for
addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

1

Principal responsibilities and duties

Attending & Participation in Meetings

1.  Attend as many of the Committee’s meetings as practicably possible.
2.  Read all papers carefully in advance of each meeting in order to participate in

discussions and ask appropriate questions.

3.  Familiarise yourself with the Committee’s Terms of Reference [and delegated authority

from General Assembly or URC Trust]

4.  Be willing to support particular pieces of committee work outside of the meetings from

time to time.

Training

1.  Undertake training in key areas as highlighted within the induction and through ongoing

conversation with the Convenor and Secretary.

Working with other Committees and Volunteers

Members of Business Committee may be asked to attend and/or interact with other
Committees and Working Groups on behalf of Business Committee.

Expected Standards

This section refers to the way in which the role should be done rather than the

duties/responsibilities.

1.  Promote a culture of open and effective communication.

2.  Actively foster an environment which nurtures equality and cherishes diversity.

3.  Take responsibility for own personal development and develop skills and knowledge

applicable to this role

4.  Ensure compliance with Safeguarding practice

This role description reflects the overall scope and responsibilities of the role.  However, it
may change and evolve over time in order to meet organisational needs and this job
description will therefore be subject to periodic review and change if required.

2

Person Specification

Role: Member of Business Committee

Requirements
Experience and
Knowledge

1.

Essential

Desirable

•  Knowledge of URC

governance structures or a
willingness to learn

Skills and
Abilities

Other

2.  Work collaboratively with a

diverse range of people
3.  Good IT skills including

Microsoft Office, Zoom and
email.

4.  Member of the United
Reformed Church
This particular role requires
the applicant to be 18 - 26
years of age.

5.

3