Local Party Secretary

Find information on the role and responsibilities of a Local Party Secretary here.

Already an LPO and looking for further resources? Use this link to jump to the relevant section.

What's the role?

Time: 10+ hours per month

The role of local party Secretary is to ensure that the party functions effectively and in accordance with the local, regional, national and federal party constitutions. The Secretary ensures that the processes and rules laid out in the constitution are enacted, and that the decisions made by the local party's executive committee are constitutional. 

Key tasks

The Secretary role is important because good administration is key to running the local party and ensuring that the party is ready at election times. Being organised year-round means you'll stay organised when it matters most.

  • Arrange executive meetings, including circulating the agenda.
  • Minute executive meetings and ensure an accurate record of them is kept, especially the decisions and agreed actions.
  • Arrange the local party AGM.
  • Ensure decisions are consistent with constitutional requirements.
  • Make arrangements for election or selection of local executive officers and party candidates, and ensure that these are done in line with proper procedure.
  • Efficient handling of general administration, including correspondence with Lib Dem HQ, and keeping records of local party officers up to date.
  • Work with the local party Chair to produce a work plan, and supporting the Chair to chase actions.

Help & support

Skills & attributes

Being a good Secretary would suit somebody with a passion for administration who enjoys being part of a team. Some of the key skills and attributes you will need are:

  • IT literacy.
  • Administrative skills.
  • Written skills
  • Patience and persistence. 
  • Objectivity.

How to apply

The Secretary is a role on the local party executive.

On the local party executive, the role is elected each year at your local party's AGM.

Any member of the party can stand to be Secretary.


Further resources

For the Local Party Secretary

To access these resources, you will need to be a member of the Campaigns hub, if you aren’t already you can join here.

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A Year in the Life of a Local Party

Find the guide to a year in the life of a local party here

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AGM Guide

Find the Annual General Meetings Guide here

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Boost Guide

Find the Boost Guide for engaging with the public here

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Resources for Secretary

Find the document with resources for Local Party Secretary here

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Email Marketing Best Practice Guide

Find the page on email training here

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Welcome Email Examples

Find the document with examples of welcome emails for new members here

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Fundraising Training

Find training videos on fundraising here

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Lighthouse Training

Find training videos on how to use Lighthouse here

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Page contributors

  • Patrick Hadfield, North Edinburgh and Leith

  • Dennis Parsons, Cheltenham

  • Annabel Stogdon, East Kent Coast

 

  • Martin Lewis, Stafford and Stone

  • Theresa Dickens, Ashford

  • Abi Bell, Hull and Hessle

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