The Riders Branch Committee

As the Riders Branch is a National and international Branch of the Royal British Legion before we look at the Riders Branch Committee lets get a better understanding of the Governance of the Royal British Legion:

The Royal Charter guides all of the Royal British Legion’s work. It is a formal governance document recognised by both the Government and the Charity Commission, and it is legally enforceable. You can read the full Royal Charter on the RBL’s website.

• The Board of Trustees is the RBL’s governing body. It provides direction and guidance to the Membership Council, Counties, and Branches.
• The Membership Council represents the members of the Royal British Legion.
• Royal British Legion staff are responsible for implementing the policies and procedures agreed by the Board of Trustees and the Membership Council

Find out more about how the Royal British Legion governance works on our website HERE.

As a National and international Branch of the Royal British Legion we are administered by a management committee that has been elected by the membership to manage the day to day running or the branch. The Committee Roles are: President, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Poppy Appeal Officer, Standard Bearers, Membership Secretary, Equipment Representative, Webmaster, Deputy Webmaster and Regional Representatives.

The Chairman leads the committee and ensures its work is carried out effectively. They organise and guide meetings, keep discussions focused, and help the group reach clear decisions. As the main point of contact, the chairman represents the committee within the wider organisation and ensures that all activities follow the required policies and procedures. They support and motivate members, encourage participation, and oversee the completion of agreed actions to keep the committee on track.

The Vice Chairman supports the chairman in leading the committee and helps ensure its work runs smoothly. They assist with organising meetings, guiding discussions, and stepping in to lead when the chairman is unavailable. The vice chairman helps maintain good communication within the committee, encourages member involvement, and supports the implementation of actions and decisions. They play an important role in keeping the committee focused, informed, and working effectively as a team.

The Secretary is responsible for keeping the committee organised and ensuring accurate records of its work. They prepare and distribute meeting agendas, take clear and accurate minutes, and track actions agreed by the committee. The secretary manages correspondence, keeps important documents up to date, and ensures members receive information in a timely manner. They play a key role in maintaining good communication, supporting smooth meetings, and helping the committee operate efficiently and effectively.

The Treasurer is responsible for managing the committee’s finances and ensuring they are handled accurately and transparently. They keep clear financial records, monitor income and expenditure, and prepare regular reports for the committee. The treasurer oversees budgeting, ensures bills and expenses are paid correctly, and helps the committee make informed financial decisions. They also ensure that all financial procedures follow the organisation’s policies and any legal requirements, providing confidence that funds are being managed responsibly.

The Poppy Appeal Officer is responsible for organising, coordinating, and promoting the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal within a branch or local area. They manage the distribution of poppies, collection boxes, and fundraising materials, ensure volunteers are supported, and oversee the secure handling and return of donations. The Poppy Appeal Officer keeps accurate records, maintains good communication with the regional or county Poppy Appeal team, and helps raise awareness of the appeal in the community. Their role is essential in ensuring the appeal runs smoothly, safely, and successfully each year.

The Membership Secretary receives all paper applications for membership and monitors eligibility for membership by personally checking documents. They also hold an up-to-date copy of the computerised Branch membership list.

The Webmaster is responsible for managing and maintaining the committee’s website and other online recourses, ensuring they are accurate, up to date, and user-friendly. They upload content, update pages, and make sure information about events, news, and resources is easily accessible. The webmaster also monitors the site’s performance, fixes technical issues, and ensures it meets accessibility and security standards. Their role is essential in keeping the committee’s online presence professional, informative, and engaging for members and the wider community.

Our committee members can be contacted through the CONTACT US page of this website. Branch Members can contact the committee via the BRANCH FORUM.