Parliamentarian (consultant)

A Parliamentarian (consultant) is an expert in parliamentary procedure who provides advice and guidance to organizations, associations, and governing bodies to ensure meetings are conducted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with established rules and bylaws.

Role and Responsibilities:

Parliamentarian consultants typically offer services that include:

• Advising on Rules of Order: Providing expert interpretations and applications of parliamentary procedure, most commonly Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, or other organization-specific rules.
• Meeting Facilitation: Assisting with the planning and execution of meetings, ensuring agendas are properly prepared and followed.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes arising from procedural disagreements during meetings.
• Bylaws Review and Revision: Evaluating and suggesting amendments to an organization's bylaws to ensure clarity and compliance with applicable laws.
• Training and Workshops: Conducting training sessions for members and leaders on parliamentary procedure and effective meeting management.
• Presiding Officer Support: Offering guidance and support to the presiding officer (e.g., chairman, president) on procedural matters during meetings.
• Election Procedures: Overseeing the conduct of elections to ensure fairness and adherence to established rules.
• Voting Procedures: Ensuring proper voting processes are followed, including the handling of motions, amendments, and points of order.
• Legal Compliance: Advising on legal requirements related to meetings and governance.

Qualifications and Expertise:

A qualified parliamentarian consultant typically possesses:

• Deep knowledge of parliamentary procedure: Including Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised and other relevant authorities.
• Experience in applying parliamentary procedure in various organizational settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to clearly explain complex procedural concepts and mediate disagreements effectively.
• Impartiality and objectivity: Commitment to providing unbiased advice and ensuring fairness in the decision-making process.
• Certifications (Optional): Some parliamentarians hold professional certifications from organizations such as the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) or the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP). These certifications demonstrate a certain level of competency and expertise.

Organizations that Benefit from Parliamentarian Consultants:

Organizations that frequently utilize parliamentarian consultants include:

• Non-profit organizations
• Professional associations
• Labor unions
• Governmental bodies (e.g., city councils, school boards)
• Homeowners associations
• Political parties
• Religious organizations
• Educational institutions

Distinction from Other Roles:

It is important to distinguish the role of a parliamentarian consultant from other related roles. While a secretary may be responsible for recording minutes, and a treasurer may manage finances, the parliamentarian focuses specifically on procedural matters and ensuring fair and efficient meeting management. They are not generally involved in the administrative or financial aspects of the organization unless specifically contracted for such services.