An advisory team is a collection of individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills which augment the knowledge and skills of the formal board of directors in order to more effectively guide the organization. Advisory committees can be created to address a specific organizational need. These advisory committees are usually short-lived and are disbanded as soon as their specific goals are met.
The advisory committee does not have formal authority to govern the organization, that is, the advisory committee cannot issue directives which must be followed. Rather, the advisory committee serves to make recommendations and/or provide key information and materials to the board of directors.
Advisory committees are guided by policies similar to those of a governing board of directors for example: meeting attendance, decision-making, conflict of interest, and ethics policies.
Committee Members
Who Can be in advisory team?
- Must be Over 18 years.
- Has no criminal record.
- Has knowledge related to SACCO operations and skills of the project.
- Good communication skills.
- Does not hold political office at any level.
Responsibilities of Advisory Committee
- Advisory committee focus narrowly on a specific program in order to advise the Board for the support of SACCO.
- Evaluate the performance of a SACCO, review/monitor/assess a specific project.
- Serve as advocate for the organization to the Sacco. [a]
- Provide technical expertise, unbiased sounding decision, and assist staff in determining important activities.
- Determining mission and purpose of a sacco,[b] articulating the goals, means, and primary constituents to be served by a program.
- Ensuring effective planning, monitoring and strengthening of programs and services.
- Ensuring there is adequate financial resources, and enhancing the organization’s standing.
- Program Creation and Planning. It can be beneficial to create an advisory committee during the early stages of developing a program so that committee members can provide advice concerning the design and plans for the program.
- Development of Program Policy. They can help create policies which provide direction and support for the program staff.
- Planning and Implementing – An advisory committee make SACCO plans and implement accordingly.
- Meeting with society staff for administration advices.
Meetings of Advisory Team
- The advisory will be meeting with the board at least quarterly in a year. When need arise they can have the meeting.
- The advisory committee minutes should be kept as permanent record in the office.
