Intercommittees

Intercommittees are formal bodies formed by two or more standing committees within an organization to coordinate policy development, program oversight, or administrative matters that cross traditional boundaries. They are typically established by a charter, resolution, or statute and may operate for a defined term or on an ongoing basis.

Membership is usually drawn from the participating committees, with a chair selected from among them. Meetings are scheduled at regular intervals or as needed, and terms of reference specify the scope, roles, decision rules, and reporting lines. Intercommittees commonly address cross-cutting issues, harmonize standards, align budgets with strategic priorities, and monitor cross-department programs. They facilitate information sharing, bring together diverse expertise, and provide a platform for resolving interdepartmental coordination problems.

Authority and decision-making power vary. Many intercommittees function in an advisory capacity, issuing recommendations to the parent committees or the full governing body. Some have limited delegated authority within a defined remit, while broader powers typically require approval from the principal decision-making bodies.

Procedural features often include formal minutes, defined quorum requirements, confidentiality rules, and established voting procedures. Transparency to the parent organization is typically maintained through regular reporting and published summaries or minutes where appropriate.

Examples appear in different settings. In corporate governance, cross-functional intercommittees may oversee risk, compliance, or strategy across departments. In legislatures, joint or intercommittees bring members from different houses or groups to study issues like taxation or research services. In local or regional government, intercommittees coordinate service delivery and interagency collaboration.