The Role of the Group Convenor (CoG)
Groups Convenors are known as CoGs in Heybridge U3A as they are the people who make the wheels go round.
Their role is to take a leading role in co-ordinating the group, encouraging other members to share the responsibility, and to ensure the group is run within U3A recommended guidelines.
The key tasks involved in running a group are to:
- convene the meetings, ensuring all members know the time and venue
- co-ordinate the group and its activities
- liaise with the relevant committee member re: booking and paying for hired accommodation (if applicable)
- ensure membership requirements are met and maintain up-to-date records of members' attendance and contact details (including emergency contacts)
- collect monies where appropriate and maintain financial records in accordance with guidance provided by the Treasurer
- to ensure health and safety guidance is followed, including risk assessments where appropriate
- to be aware of licence requirements regarding photocopying, DVDs, videos and sheet music to involve group members in regular planning activities to decide the programme and share out preparation tasks
- to provide a short monthly report for the News Sheet
- to delegate any of the above tasks to other group members as appropriate
- to ensure new group members are made welcome
- to liaise with the Co-ordinator of Groups or other Committee member as appropriate
The CoGs Handbook contains guidance on various aspects of running an interest group - click on the link to download.