Boards, directors & committees · Working
Special committee
Also called: ad hoc committee
ELI5
A temporary or purpose-specific board committee, often formed for a transaction or conflict.
Used in conversation
“Put special committee on the agenda while the board can still influence the decision.”
Pitch context
You will see “Special committee” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches boards, directors & committees.
Why it matters: In boards, directors & committees, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16