I have a query if anyone can offer any advice, would be grateful. I was recently asked if i would be interested on going on a committee. (executive) Having been on the general committee for a few years, i said yes, and at the AGM last month, was voted on. No paper work, nothing, just went to agm, vote was made & I was on exec. committee. At tonights meeting i asked if i could have a copy of the constitution as it was changed a few years back & I didnt have the current copy. One of the other exec. members said, half jokingly, that there wasnt too much too worry about in the constitution, other than that if it went "tits-up" (his words, not mine!) then i would be jointly liable for the money along with the other 11 members Can this legaLLY BE the case without me signing anything or anyone  making me read anything before becoming an exec. com? And if it is the case, could I resign the day before it all went bankrupt to avoid responsibility?  Anyone know anything about this? its worrying me now as i have no desire to be held responsble for the inefficiency of 11 others!!!! If my own business goes pear shaped then thats up to me & only me to blame but I dont care for the idea of being responsible for others lack of busines accumen! Anyone know?

Yes a Committee is always responsible, who else do you think would be?  This would count for lible, insurance, money etc etc.  Resigning before the proverbial hits the fan wouldn't be enough either as you would have been in situ at the time.  What is important is that due diligence is shown to minimise problems should they arise.  If you are thinking it would state quite clearly in the constitution, then that is unlikely, you would have been just as liable with the Committee you were on.  I often think that those that are Guarantors to the KC for Shows don't fully realise the responsibilities they hold either

What law are you basing this advice on please? Does this apply to companies limited by guarantee or private companies limited by shares? thanks

Ava, this is a dog board and we are talking about Dog Club Committees

Really? I guess my telepathic skills must not have been working that day. 

THe best source of information on this is in the Red KC yearbook, under general rules etc etc etc