Working Groups
The British Chamber of Commerce South West China establishes and runs several working groups along sector lines. Working groups provide a forum for members to collaborate on a topic of mutual interest. They are member-led projects that represent and promote the interests of British business in Southwest China.
Please see below for frequently asked questions on our working groups. Our members are encouraged to take the lead in establishing and participating in our workshops; please contact [email protected] to learn more.
Current British Chamber of Commerce South West China working groups are:
Arts Working Group Chongqing
Education Working Group Chongqing
Professional Women's Working Group (Chengdu)
Sustainable Chongqing Working Group
Sustainable Chengdu Working Group
Young Professionals Working Group (Chengdu)
Upcoming British Chamber of Commerce South West China working groups:
Education Working Group (Chengdu)
Finance Working Group (Chengdu)
Marketing & Communications Working Group (Chengdu)
British Chamber of Commerce South West China Working Groups: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a working group?
A working group (WG) is a member-led collaborative team cooperating on an issue of mutual interest. WGs are usually composed of members from several different companies/organizations. What sector these WG group members hail from may be of little consequence, so long as all have an interest in the same topic. Generally, the main thrust of a WG is to learn more about a topic, and then apply the learnt knowledge to the WG members' benefit. We'll talk about these benefits later.
How is a working group organized?
Every WG is organized around a single issue of mutual interest. WGs' organizational structures vary depending on the nature of the topic of interest and members, but some choose to appoint/elect officers to administer the group. Because a WG is amember-led project, the impetus and engine of the group must come from the members. The role of staff of the BCCSWC office should be to support the group members. WG's usually hold regularly scheduled meetings to present research, collaborate on a project, make decisions, or socialize. It is important that WGs declare and agree on a set of concrete goals. These goals not only provide direction, but help maintain the WG's focus, and measure progress.
How does a working group "work"?
This mostly depends, again, upon the composition of the group, issue, and goals. Sometimes a WG's success comes simply from gathering, organizing, and sharing members' information regarding the issue. If the WG's membership stretches across a wide variety of sectors like business, government, and/or NGOs, sharing information may be especially helpful. Other times, members of a group may have individual research responsibilities that require them to investigate an issue and then report findings to the larger WG. The working group might become a forum for organising events or projects, or conducting lobbying. For all of these activities, regular meetings with members a WG may break down barriers or provide new perspectives on an issue. Most WGs produce regular reports that document progress towards stated goals, completed objectives or group conclusions.
Who can join a working group?
Generally, anyone with an interest in the issue around which the working group is formed may join. Though experience in a field or expertise in an area pertinent to issue of interest is often preferred, those with relatively little experience often join WGs because they have qualities the WG deems beneficial. Potential members of the WG, however, must be prepared to devote time to the WG's goals. Most importantly, members must be able to benefit from their participation in the WG.
What are the benefits of joining a working group?
The benefits of joining a working group are usually quite substantial. The primary advantage is information. Members in a WG have in-depth knowledge of their issue that may be applied to their advantage within their company, sector, or other collaborations. WGs can also provide access to influential figures or departments in government, business or the NGO sector, thus allowing members of the WG to influence policy and decision making. In this way, the WG can provide a platform to represent and promote the WG's collective interests. On a personal level, members can increase one's profile in the community, win projects, influence others, gain experience and expand their social and business network. Increased profits, efficiency, and access to markets are some of WG members' positive reports.
If you are interested in participating in a current working group or establishing a new working group, please contact us: [email protected]