Guildford & Woking Humanists is run by a committee of volunteers. This page gives an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the committee (although we all help out where we can). The role definitions were largely taken from Humanists UK recommendations but we are flexible if anyone is interested in a variation of the role.

If you would be interested in joining the committee, we would love to hear from you – email us at guildfordwoking@humanistgroups.org.uk, or come along to one of our group meetings or socials with a chat with the current committee members!

• Chairperson: The President (or Chair) acts as ‘chief executive officer’.  They should have an overview of all of the group’s business and should provide it with direction – guiding its policies and activities to fulfil the aims of the group and the wishes of its members. The President chairs the committee and general meetings, and presides over other activities and events. The President is the main contact in the Group for interactions with Humanists UK; and is the chief spokesperson of the group in local affairs.
• Secretary: The Secretary acts as ‘chief administrative officer’, responsible for the administration of the group.  They oversee the group’s calendar. The Secretary organises and services all committee and general meetings (booking venues, compiling the agendas, taking and writing-up minutes, inviting attendees, etc.). They work closely with the Multimedia Officer and Press Officer in maintaining a consistent and professional image for the group.  The Secretary is the one who keeps a record of the Group’s activities and affairs.
• Treasurer: The Treasurer acts as ‘chief financial officer’, and is responsible for ensuring that the Group meets its financial responsibilities (including the production of an annual financial report and accounts for the AGM). The Treasurer is responsible for setting and collecting membership subscriptions (where applicable); for keeping the Group’s finances in order; for setting up and managing the Group’s bank account(s); and for advising the Group on the prudent and proper use of funds.
• Activities Officer: The Treasurer acts as ‘chief financial officer’, and is responsible for ensuring that the Group meets its financial responsibilities (including the production of an annual financial report and accounts for the AGM). The Treasurer is responsible for setting and collecting membership subscriptions (where applicable); for keeping the Group’s finances in order; for setting up and managing the Group’s bank account(s); and for advising the Group on the prudent and proper use of funds.
• Campaigns Officer: Responsible for planning and organising the group’s campaigning activities. The Campaigns’ Officer keeps abreast of the campaigns going on (for example, from Humanists UK, AHS, and Skeptics groups) and inform the committee about them.  They suggests whether it is appropriate and possible for the group to get involved, and, if so, how.  The Campaigns’ Officer works closely with the President, the Press and Publicity Officer (to ensure good coverage), and the Membership Officer (to ensure member and supporter participation).
• Membership Officer: The Membership Officer communicates with members, supporters and potential members.  They keep an up-to-date membership database and mailing list; and keep a log of the numbers of participants at activities. They are responsible for increasing membership and participation; and should ensure that new faces are welcomed and integrated into the group. Smaller groups might not need a separate post here, but could combine it with the Secretary, with Press and Publicity Officer, or with Multimedia Officer.
  One aspect of the role that some groups have is that of ‘pastoral care’: looking out for members who might suddenly stop coming, for example, or visiting house-bound or hospitalised members.
• Press and Publicity Officer: The Press Officer (or Press and Publicity Officer) is responsible for developing the group’s communication strategy: i.e. how it appears to the outside world. They are responsible for communicating with the press and promoting the group and its activities. They design posters, flyers and other promotional material. They produce news items (and collate them from officers, members, Humanists UK, etc.) to go in a regular email newsletter (within the email itself – avoid attachments) and on the website and Facebook page. The Press Officer might occasionally act as spokesperson for the group. They work closely with the Multimedia Officer and Secretary in maintaining a consistent and professional image for the group.
• Dialogue Officer: The Dialogue Officer is responsible for cultivating inter-faith relationships, attending inter-faith events and helping people of faith to understand the positive values of Humanism. This person is the lead contact for HUK’s Dialogue Officer.
• Education Officer: The Education Officer is the lead contact for HUK’s Education Officer. It is preferable that this person is also an accredited HUK School Speaker and where necessary will co-ordinate with other School Speakers in the group.
• Young Humanists Officer: The Young Humanists Officer will be responsible for encouraging young people (18-35) to join our group. This person will organise specific events, socials, activities that would be of greater interest to this age group.
• SCEHN Ambassador: The South Central England Humanist Network (SCEHN) is a regional group that is associated to Humanists UK. The remit/vision of the network is ‘To provide support for existing and emerging humanist local groups, and to seed new groups’. This person will represent GWH at SCEHN meetings (face-to-face and via Skype).
• Community Fundraising Officer: This person will be responsible for identifying a local cause that is important to Humanists. They will work with the group to generate awareness and/or finance to support the agreed worthy cause.