Committee positions are elected by the PTA’s members at its annual general meeting (AGM). PTA committee members hold their position until the next AGM (up to 15 months). To be nominated and elected, committee members must also be members of the association.

Your PTA’s committee is made up of officers and ordinary committee members. The officer roles are usually Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. All other members elected to the committee are ordinary committee members, and your committee members can decide whether to give them appropriate titles.

A co-opted committee member is elected by your committee and not your members to either take over a certain role or because they have a particular skill. They would hold the position until the next AGM when, if applicable, they can stand for election to your committee by the members.

Main purpose of the PTA Chair
The PTA Chair directs committee meetings, making sure everyone’s views are heard, and that everyone is involved in the meeting. They should make sure all committee members are familiar with the association’s constitution, model policies if applicable, and their role and responsibilities as a committee member and trustee. The PTA Chair also holds the casting vote where there is a tied vote.

Main purpose of the PTA Treasurer
The PTA Treasurer ensures accurate financial records are kept, and that best practice procedures are followed for counting money, banking, and making payments. They should keep your committee updated with regular reports, and ensure end-of-year reports are completed for the association’s AGM and, if your PTA is registered as a charity, the relevant Charity Commission’s annual return.

If you have co-Treasurers, both individuals are equally responsible for carrying out the role. If you have a Vice-Treasurer, they will deputise for the PTA Treasurer, and carry out the role if the Treasurer is absent or steps down from their position.

Main Role of the PTA Secretary
The PTA Secretary supports the PTA committee to build effective communication links between the school and the association. They also maintain accurate records.

You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, including if you:

• Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud)
• Are bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (for example, an individual voluntary arrangement) with a creditor
• Have been removed as a company director or charity trustee because of wrongdoing

Role of Chair Role of Secretary Role of Treasurer