Some branches have more than one secretary, as duties can be sub-divided for example committee, membership, minutes, publicity or events.

Secretarial duties to be covered are:

Committee support

• prepare agendas for the branch committee and the AGM (see pro formas section for a model branch committee meeting agenda)
• record minutes of committee meetings, and keep them on file
• give the secretary’s report at committee meetings
• write correspondence arising from committee meetings and keep copies
• at least annually, send a copy of the Branch Information Form, AGM report, branch programme and committee membership details to central office

Communications

• act as a central point for communication with other branch officers, committee members, and branch members
• liaise with the regional representative
• liaise with head office as needed regarding flyers or promotional materials for the national organisation

Events and promotion

• arrange the branch programme in conjunction with the committee. Fees should be arranged at the time of booking speakers.
• ensure that branch programmes and event details are sent to central office for promotion to members and non-member contacts for the branch
• ensure the information on the branch’s webpage is up to date and includes a brief description of the branch, a list of officers and at least one email or phone contact, and a list of all recent and upcoming branch events
• liaise with central office regarding event delegate lists