LOC Officers, such as Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, are elected through the committee. Observers such as NHSE/I optometric advisers may attend LOC meetings, if only for part of the agenda.
Chair
The chair has a strategic role to play in representing the vision and purpose of the LOC. The chair ensures that the LOC functions properly, that there is full participation at meetings, that all relevant matters are discussed and that effective decisions are made and carried out. The chair should ideally be supported in this by a vice chair who should be able to fulfill the chair role in the event of absence.
Secretary
The role of the secretary is to support the chair in ensuring the smooth functioning of the LOC. In LOCs without administrative support, the secretary may take a greater role in the day-to-day administration of the organisation.
Treasurer
The role of the treasurer is to maintain an overview of the LOC’s financial affairs, ensuring its viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The treasurer must be aware of their fiduciary duties to the committee which reflect a relationship of trust and loyalty between yourself, the LOC, its members and contractors and performers.
A guidance document for Treasurers is available here.
Administrator
The administrator will be expected to provide support to the LOC committee members in their various roles and to develop an understanding of the committee’s functions. This is a non-officer role that some LOCs have felt helpful to have in the running of the LOC.
A point on governance: to avoid conflict of interest the posts of secretary and treasurer should be held by different people.
All job role descriptions can be found here.
If the LOC would like any advice on support on Committee roles or contracting additional support please contact us at info@locsu.co.uk