Welfare committee

Promoting equity and care for every community member.

1. Purpose

The Welfare Committee exists to support the well-being of members of GM-LibCom by identifying, assessing, and responding to welfare needs within the organisation, and by promoting a culture of care, inclusion, and mutual support.
The Committee will ensure that welfare matters are handled sensitively, fairly and promptly,and that appropriate recommendations are made to the Executive for decision-making andaction.

2. Structure and Composition

  • The Chair of the organisation shall chair the Welfare Committee.
  • A Co-Chair shall be appointed from within the organisation.
  • The Committee shall consist of up to 10 members.
  • Members shall be selected based on suitability, trustworthiness, and commitment to the welfare objectives of the organisation.

The Chair of the Welfare Committee forms part of the Executive and will work closely with
the Executive to ensure that all welfare matters are promptly communicated for consideration
and action

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The Welfare Committee shall:

3.1 Identification of Needs

3.2 Scope of Welfare Support

Welfare support may include, but is not limited to:

a) Personal and Social Support

composition

  • Illness, hospitalisation, or recovery
  • Bereavement and funeral support
  • Loneliness, isolation, or emotional distress
  • Family or personal crises
  • Social care–related concerns
  • Conflicts requiring support or mediation (where appropriate)

b) Life Events and Milestones

  • Marriage and related ceremonies
  • Childbirth
  • Graduation
  • Significant milestone celebrations (as defined by the Committee)
  • 3.3 Support for Elderly Members
  • Identify elderly Liberians within Greater Manchester who may benefit from support.
  • Conduct appropriate and proportionate needs assessments.
  • Recommend safe and appropriate support plans within the capacity of the organisation.
  • Promote companionship and inclusion for elderly members.
  • Organisation of post-event activities where applicable
  • Where practical and appropriate:
  • Volunteers may be identified to provide companionship or basic support.
  • Any such support must comply with safeguarding requirements.
  • 3.4 Safeguarding and Volunteer Support
  • Ensure that any volunteer involved in welfare support activities is suitable and appropriately vetted where required.
  • Ensure all support is delivered safely, respectfully, and within appropriate boundaries.
  • Where activities involve vulnerable individuals, ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, including DBS checks where applicable.
  • 3.5 Welfare Response Actions
  • The Committee may take the following actions:
  • Arrange visits (e.g. hospital visits or home visits where appropriate)
  • Coordinate community support where needed
  • Provide emotional and practical support
  • Make recommendations to the Executive for further assistance

3.6 Bereavement and Critical Incidents

In the event of the death of a registered member:

  • The bereaved individual or family should be contacted within a reasonable and timely period after the Committee becomes aware
  • A plan for appropriate support, including a visit where suitable, should be arranged.
  • Further support shall be determined based on individual circumstances and recommendations made to the Executive.
  • 3.7 Fairness and Consistency
  • All welfare support shall be based on need, not entitlement.
  • The Committee must ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in its recommendations.
  • Support is not fixed and will vary depending on circumstances.
  • 4. Eligible Welfare Considerations

The following situations may be considered within the scope of welfare support:

  • 4.1 Celebrations and Positive Life Events
  • Marriage or recognised ceremonies of a member
  • Childbirth
  • Graduation
  • Significant milestone celebrations (as defined by the Committee)
  • 4.2 Illness and Health-Related Needs
  • Hospitalisation of a member
  • Serious illness affecting a member or their dependent child
  • Serious illness of a member’s parent or close family member (where appropriate and within the UK)
  • 4.3 Bereavement
  • Death of a member
  • Death of a spouse or partner
  • Death of a child
  • Death of a parent or close family member
  • 5. Membership and Registration Considerations
  • Welfare support is primarily intended for registered members of the organisation.
  • The Committee will consider each case reasonably and fairly, taking into account membership status and circumstances.
  • 6. Decision-Making and Reporting
  • Welfare support is primarily intended for registered members of the organisation.
  • Final decisions involving financial or organisational commitments rest with the Executive.
  • All significant welfare matters should be documented appropriately while respecting confidentiality.
  • 7. Confidentiality
  • All welfare matters must be handled with strict confidentiality.
  • Personal information must be shared only where necessary and in line with data protection and safeguarding policies.
  • 8.Review
  • These Terms of Reference may be reviewed periodically by the welfare committee in consultation with the Executive to ensure it remains effective, appropriate and aligned with the organisation’s objectives