Trade Association – New secretariat required
The problem
This organisation had been administered for many years by a part-time employee working from home. As the trade association grew in size, introduced more rigorous membership requirements and developed commercial services, the existing administrator was unable to cope with the extra work. She was also not able to maintain the website or operate electronic filing which the Association expected. Due to the increase in membership it was more important that it should be professionally run and the Board were increasingly looking for guidance on issues such as governance and membership procedures. The administrator decided to retire and there was no-one willing or able to take her place.
The research
The Chairman approached a number of association management companies to find a successor to provide professional services following the retirement of the current provider. The Association identified a number of tasks that might be better carried out by a service provider, such as the accounting function – where the banking and monthly accounts were undertaken by the Treasurer, and the preparation of the Board papers and minute taking to relieve the burden from the Honorary Secretary. Additional support was also sought in relation to development of membership services, organising networking and social events, maintaining detailed membership information, and website content maintenance.
The solution
Following a tendering process and after consideration of a number of proposals submitted to the Board an appointed for a three year term was awarded.
The Association has grown from under 70 to nearly 110 member companies. Participation at meetings has reached record levels and the Association continues to enjoy a steady flow of membership applications. The Association has two standing committees which were previously run entirely by members, who struggled to devote time to arranging meetings and producing minutes and agendas. This work has been transferred to enabling the members to concentrate on the policy and technical issues which require their input but with the meetings being professionally organised for them.
To see how we could assist your organisation call 0800 091 3750
This organisation had been administered for many years by a part-time employee working from home. As the trade association grew in size, introduced more rigorous membership requirements and developed commercial services, the existing administrator was unable to cope with the extra work. She was also not able to maintain the website or operate electronic filing which the Association expected. Due to the increase in membership it was more important that it should be professionally run and the Board were increasingly looking for guidance on issues such as governance and membership procedures. The administrator decided to retire and there was no-one willing or able to take her place.
The research
The Chairman approached a number of association management companies to find a successor to provide professional services following the retirement of the current provider. The Association identified a number of tasks that might be better carried out by a service provider, such as the accounting function – where the banking and monthly accounts were undertaken by the Treasurer, and the preparation of the Board papers and minute taking to relieve the burden from the Honorary Secretary. Additional support was also sought in relation to development of membership services, organising networking and social events, maintaining detailed membership information, and website content maintenance.
The solution
Following a tendering process and after consideration of a number of proposals submitted to the Board an appointed for a three year term was awarded.
The Association has grown from under 70 to nearly 110 member companies. Participation at meetings has reached record levels and the Association continues to enjoy a steady flow of membership applications. The Association has two standing committees which were previously run entirely by members, who struggled to devote time to arranging meetings and producing minutes and agendas. This work has been transferred to enabling the members to concentrate on the policy and technical issues which require their input but with the meetings being professionally organised for them.
To see how we could assist your organisation call 0800 091 3750