subcommittee

Subcommittee is a subordinate committee established by a parent committee or board to study a particular issue or carry out a defined set of tasks. It typically operates with a narrower mandate and limited authority compared with its parent committee.

Composition and mandate: Subcommittees are usually appointed by the chair or the parent committee and can include members with specific expertise or stakeholder representation. They may be temporary to address a single issue or standing to handle recurring work. Their jurisdiction is defined in the charter or resolution establishing them.

Functions and procedures: Subcommittees conduct research, hold hearings, gather evidence, and prepare recommendations or draft legislation, policies, or budgets for the parent committee. They vote on recommendations; majority decisions are then reported to the parent committee, which retains final authority. Meetings may be public or private depending on rules.

Contexts and examples: In legislative bodies, subcommittees review bills and oversee agencies; in corporate governance, subcommittees like audit or nominations handle specialized tasks; non-profit organizations may use subcommittees to manage fundraising or programs.

Limitations and considerations: Subcommittees can streamline work but may slow progress or obscure accountability if over-segregation occurs. Transparency, clear reporting requirements, and defined sunset provisions help mitigate concerns.

See also: committee, standing committee, select committee, steering committee.