Ad Hoc Committee definition
An Ad Hoc Committee means a temporary committee formed by a board of directors or leadership team to handle a specific issue, project, or task that falls outside the responsibilities of standing committees. The term “ad hoc” is Latin for “for this purpose,” reflecting the committee’s focus on a one-time matter.
Ad hoc committees are created as needed, often to provide expertise, oversight, or recommendations. Once the goal is met or the problem resolved, the committee is dissolved. These committees do not have ongoing governance duties and typically report directly to the board or executive leadership.
What is the purpose of an Ad Hoc Committee
Boards form Ad Hoc Committees when they need:
- Specialized expertise for a specific decision or challenge
- Focused, short-term research or planning
- Assistance managing unique or urgent issues without adding workload to existing standing committees
Unlike permanent committees, Ad Hoc Committees are not part of an organization’s long-term structure. Their temporary nature helps boards remain agile and responsive.
Ad Hoc Committee examples
Common examples of Ad Hoc Committees include:
- Executive Search Committee: Oversees the recruitment of a new CEO or executive leader
- Crisis Response Committee: Handles urgent issues such as legal matters, reputational risk, or cyber incidents
- Strategic Planning Task Force: Develops long-term business or digital transformation strategies
- Merger or Acquisition Committee: Evaluates proposals and due diligence during M&A processes
What is the difference between a Standing Committee and an Ad Hoc Committee?
A standing committee is permanent and handles ongoing governance. An Ad Hoc Committee is short-term and task-specific.
| Standing Committee | Ad Hoc Committee |
| Ongoing responsibility | Temporary, one-time task |
| Part of long-term structure | Not part of permanent structure |
| Regularly scheduled meetings | Formed as needed |
How to form an Ad Hoc сommittee
An Ad Hoc Committee is formed by board vote or resolution, which defines the purpose, scope, and membership. The board typically:
- Defines the committee’s scope and goals
- Appoints members (Ad Hoc Committee members are often selected for their specific expertise)
- Sets a target timeline or deadline
Once the work is complete, the committee reports back with recommendations and is formally disbanded.
Roles and responsibilities of an Ad Hoc Committee
Members of an Ad Hoc Committee are typically appointed based on their relevant expertise, decision-making authority, or knowledge of the specific issue. Their roles and responsibilities often include:
- Reviewing materials or proposals related to the committee’s task
- Conducting research or gathering input from stakeholders
- Participating in focused meetings or discussions
- Drafting findings, reports, or recommendations
- Presenting updates or outcomes to the board
If a chairperson is assigned, they are responsible for coordinating activities, setting meeting agendas, and acting as the primary liaison with the board. Because these committees are temporary by design, each member is expected to contribute efficiently and remain focused on the defined objective.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Robert’s Rules, an Ad Hoc Committee is called a “special committee” — created for a specific task and dissolved when done.
When a board needs short-term focus on something urgent, such as a CEO search, legal crisis, or strategic planning.
An ad hoc member is someone appointed for a specific purpose, often without a permanent voting role based on their knowledge or relevance to the topic.
It might focus on hiring, mergers, internal investigations, risk evaluation, or strategic proposals.
Related terms
- Advisory committee
- Audit committee
- Board committee
- Board risk committee
- Executive committee
- Fundraising committee
- Nomination committee
- Nonprofit committees
- Remuneration committee
- Sustainability committee
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