The role of the Chairperson in a body corporate committee

Chairperson

A personal approach
to body corporate management

Relationships are the foundation of our business, built on the understanding that every client is unique, not just at a body corporate level, but as individuals.

That’s why we take the time to listen, tailoring our management approach to suit every person, their communication style and business preferences.

Receive an obligation
free building proposal

We'll need to get some details about your building. Let us know the best time to contact you.

Please contact us here if you are seeking a proposal for a building we don’t currently manage. If you are an existing BCsystems customer please email us at info@bcsystem.it2k.com

The chairperson of the body corporate often plays a leading role in the committee and the body corporate community more generally. It is a volunteer position which can be very rewarding, but also can take a significant investment of time and effort.  

In this article we look at the roles and responsibilities of the body corporate chairperson, including the variables that impact the time and effort commitment. 

Elected chairpersons: background & motivations

Owners elected as chairpersons frequently bring a wealth of experience and skills to the position. Many come from professional or leadership backgrounds, such as: 

  • School teachers, who are adept at managing groups and fostering cooperative environments. 
  • Police officers, who possess strong organisational and decision-making skills. 
  • Business owners, who have experience in strategic planning and resource management.

In addition to professional experience, chairpersons often have: 

  • A strong vision for the body corporate community. 
  • Leadership skills in specific areas relevant to the needs of the body corporate. 
  • Experience in other chair roles, providing them with a solid foundation in leadership and governance. 

Occasionally, the role is filled by someone simply because no other owners were willing to step up. Despite the diversity in backgrounds and motivations, there are no formal prerequisites for becoming a chairperson. Every new building needs a chairperson, and every chairperson has a first time in the role. 

Responsibilities of the chairperson

Legislation outlines the chairperson’s role in straightforward terms: they chair or run body corporate meetings and have the authority to sign documents on behalf of the body corporate. However, the practical responsibilities of the chairperson extend beyond these legal duties.  

Typically, a chairperson:

  • Works closely with the body corporate manager
  • Coordinates with the on-site manager or caretaker (if applicable)
  • Leads the general agenda for the committee
  • Facilitates committee meetings by leading discussions
  • Delegates projects
  • Speaks at the Annual General Meeting (AGM): Providing owners with an overview of the committee’s activities and achievements over the past year.

While these tasks are not formal requirements of the chairperson, they provide a realistic picture and expectations of the role. 

Variability in the role

The exact duties and workload of the chairperson can vary significantly depending on several factors, including: 

  • Size and complexity of the building
  • Community dynamics
  • Annual objectives and projects

Every body corporate is unique, and the chairperson’s role must adapt to these varying needs and circumstances. 

Related content

Share This Post

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Is BCsystems your current body corporate manager?
You are

More To Explore

Brisbane City
Other

Inner-City Affordability Initiative for Brisbane City

In response to Brisbane’s growth, BCC has proposed a new citywide amendment known as the Inner-City Affordability Initiative. This plan aims to balance development pressures with the need to maintain access to affordable housing options within the city centre.

Storm Season
Maintenance

Preparing for Storm Season

Queensland summers are a time when the skies can shift from calm to chaos in just moments -delivering a deluge of rain, lightning and in recent years, flooding. With these unpredictable weather patterns often causing significant disruption, preparation is more than just a precaution – it’s a necessity.

Like this article?

Follow us for more