National Service Committee – NSC (VE)

NSC Meeting Dates

The CoDA UK National Service Committee (NSC) meets several times a year, usually for 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon, except for the AGM, which is a full day. There is also social time after the meeting to ask questions or share about the work of the NSC and to connect with each other.

NOTE: The meeting agendas and reports from NSC meetings are:

• written reports are collated 6 weeks before each meeting
• agenda and reports are published online, and shared with all registered GSRs 4 weeks before each meeting

Please send any queries arising from your meetings, or if your meeting to communications@codauk.org

Please discuss proposals / whether your meeting would like to bring proposals at your meeting group conscience. This is part of the role of CoDA meetings, and GSRs informing strategy in the UK.

Origins of Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) in the UK

CoDA meetings started in the UK in Craven Street, near Trafalgar Square in London with 4 members. The first official meeting was held in Wood Green in 1989.

Initially 4 meetings existed in London held in Wood Green, Hampstead (2) and St Pancras. The founding members from London formed a national steering committee (NSC) and invited others to join. As the number of meetings grew rapidly, 2 members from Bath produced a CODA newsletter.

In 1990 there were celebrations held on the 1st anniversary. Founders of CoDA, Ken and Mary visited the UK for work and met with the committee and invited them to the World Service conference in 1991 in Scottsdale.

By April 2004 we had our first CoDA UK website kept up-to-date by a passionate team of CoDA members serving fellowship across the UK.

What is the National Service Committee (NSC)? 

The NSC are the trusted servants of CoDA UK, meeting quarterly to discuss issues raised by the groups and matters affecting CoDA as a whole. One of their meetings is the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Groups and regions are free to raise issues with the NSC and to send along a Group Service Representative (GSR). All members of CoDA UK are welcome at NSC meetings but only the elected committee and GSRs are able to vote on any issues. Details of when the meetings are held appear on the Events page of the CoDA UK website, with the agenda for the meeting appearing at least a week in advance. NSC pays travel expenses for NSC members; other members have their expenses paid by their groups. Any member is welcome to volunteer for relevant posts at any time during the year. NSC members keep in touch with each other by email and WhatsApp during the year for any service queries and matters which arise between meetings, and additional NSC meetings are sometimes arranged when there is a lot of business to discuss. 

What is its remit? 

The NSC acts on concerns brought by the membership which are raised through local group consciences, at regional level and which are brought to the NSC by email or at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). If a group has a Group Service Representative (GSR), it is their role to bring issues raised at Group Conscience to the wider fellowship i.e. Region or NSC (depending on which is available in their area).  

The NSC works as a committee, so operates on a group input/approval process much the same as a Group Conscience. This means that all members are welcome and invited to contribute and put forward suggestions on all areas of service. Members are able to propose and spearhead certain areas of service that are important to them if supported by the NSC group. Sub-committees are also formed to deal with larger pieces of service.  

What are the service positions on the NSC? 

A list of suggested service positions at this level is on the CoDA UK website but the list is flexible, members serving the needs of the fellowship in whatever way they can. For the full list see the ‘Roles‘ tab above. For a list of all those currently in service, please see below. 

What are the membership/recovery requirements for service in the various roles?  

It is suggested that NSC members should have at least one year’s recovery (unless specified otherwise) and a good working knowledge of the 12 Steps and Traditions.  

How do members join the committee? 

They are voted in at the AGM; or may attend one of the quarterly meetings during the year; or may be sent to the NSC as a representative of their region. The format for nominations is that members put themselves forward for a role, then say a little about their service background, length of time in recovery and why they want the role, and answer any questions. A seconder is required, then a vote is taken (the member usually leaves the room during the vote). Members wishing to serve must be in attendance at the meeting where they come forward; votes on new members do not take place in the absence of the member being nominated. Members can only put themselves forward – they cannot be proposed by others. 

How long do they do service in any particular position? 

The length of time for each service position is listed on the website but generally all posts are for one year, unless specified otherwise. Members can elect to serve a longer term if they wish.  

What guidance is there to help members with the NSC’s work? 

The Twelve Service Concepts are read at each meeting and describe how members can serve together: https://coda.org/meeting-materials/twelve-service-concepts/  

The CoDA Fellowship Service Manual provides guidance to members in service in all parts of the fellowship. There is some useful info directly relating to the NSC’s work on p 12 in Part 1 and p7 in Part 3. 

How often and where do the committee meet? 

The committee meet quarterly, with the AGM as one of their quarterly meetings. Location is decided by the membership of the NSC as the most convenient place for all members to get to; since spring 2020, meetings have been held on Zoom. Meetings are publicised on the website, in the CoDA Noticeboard WhatsApp and by email to the CoDA UK mailing list, and via the regional mailing lists. All members are welcome at NSC meetings, not just GSRs, NSC members or Regional reps. Between meetings, communication is usually by email to all NSC members. There is also an NSC WhatsApp where members may ask for or share ESH but not all NSC members are included in this so it’s not a formal channel for NSC business, just a supportive space. 

Leaving the committee 

Please do let the committee know if at any time you decide to step down from doing service or if you are going to be away or need to take a break from service. It was decided that if a member has not been in email contact or has not attended 3 consecutive NSC meetings and has not sent any apologies, then this member will be contacted and if no response is given they are automatically removed from the NSC email group mailing list and the NSC WhatsApp group. 

Updated by the NSC, AGM March 2026 

Submit Agenda Item

To raise an item, fill in NSC proposal form and send to CoDA NSC Secretary.  

The closing date for submitting agenda items is 6 weeks ahead of each meeting
(but please contact secretary@codauk.org if your group conscience puts forward an item for discussion after that date).

NSC – Agenda, Notes & Actions, Reports

“Through service inside and outside of CoDA I am growing”
Affirmations

The NSC Committee

“Through service inside and outside of CoDA I am growing”

Affirmations

Role	Name	Term began	Terms ends
Chair	Vacant as of Sept 26	-	- - Description
Vice Chair	- Service Needed -
Treasurer	Annie	Sept 25	- Description -
Public Liability Insurance	- Service Needed -		- Description -
Bank Signatories	Rochelle Andy Annie Gillian	Aug 22 Pre Aug 21 Pre Aug 21	- TBC -
Secretary	Andy	Jun 26	Jun 28 - Description -
Website	No officer Supported by: Bryony, Emma, Ian, Jason, Julia, Kate F, Pete H, Rochelle		Description
Communications and Email Responder	No officer Newsletter by Jason Comms supported by: Jason, Kate F		Description -
Meetings List Co-ordinator	Julia With support as required	Mar 2026	Mar 2028 - Description -
North Region Intergroup Rep	- tbc -	voted within Region	voted within Region
London & SE Region Intergroup	- Vacant -
Public Information	No officer Public Info UK Network: Claire T, Emma S, Emma W, Helen S, Ian, Jason, Kate F, Rochelle, Sarah, Suzanne
CSC Reps 2025-26	Rochelle Mandy Alt Emily V	Mar 25 Sept 25 Mar 2026	27 (with confirmatory vote taken March 26)
Literature Secretary	- Service Needed -		- Description -
Sponsorship Rep/s	Rochelle, Supported by: Emily V & Jason - Service Needed -	Sept 25
General Committee Members	Don, Mali - Service Needed -	Jun 24 Dec 2025	Jun 26 Dec 2027

Open Service Positions

A CoDA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions

Tradition 7

Why is service part of recovery?

Those who have gone before us recognize that service is critical to recovery and is part of the Twelfth Step. Service work is a place to practice recovery skills and extend our recovery to new areas of our lives. At the group level, CoDA members carry the message in many ways, by sharing in meetings, speaking to newcomers (with a focus on providing information rather than giving advice) and trying to adhere to CoDA principles in meetings and elsewhere in their lives. Members can start practicing these types of service from early on in their recovery.

Find out more

Available NSC Service Positions

Full post descriptions open in new tabs – click below to find out more:

*It was agreed at the November 2021 NSC meeting that all the vacant positions could be shared by more than one member, and a full handover will be given by the outgoing member in service.

Who are the NSC?

All NSC service positions

Support welcomed for…..

Other opportunities

Join a CoDA Member Network
Offer service at your home group
Sponsor a newcomer
Start a new CoDA Meeting
Submit a CoDA Share

See also

Home Group – Service Positions

Image thanks to YuriArcursPeopleimages from Envato

NSC Service Positions

All posts are for two years, unless specified. Members can elect to serve a longer term if they wish. NSC members should have at least one year’s recovery (unless specified) and a good working knowledge of the 12 Steps and Traditions. All committee members will be expected to attend three NSC meetings and the AGM each year. Reasonable expenses are paid to cover travel to these four meetings when they are held in person. Between meetings, communication is usually by email, WhatsApp or phone.

Service Positions

An overview of the currently defined NSC service positions, highlighting current vacancies. If you are interested in discussing any of these positions, please email the NSC Enquiries email address found on the CoDA Contacts page for more details, putting NSC in the subject line and giving a phone number where you can be contacted before the AGM.

Chair

Has overall responsibility of CoDA UK in keeping with the Traditions; liaises with Vice Chair and Secretary to determine Agenda; acts as guardian of CoDA Constitution; facilitates discussion amongst meeting members and proposes voting issues; casts deciding vote if there should be a tie vote; cheque signatory; keeps abreast of all issues and matters affecting CoDA in the UK; available for contact with NSC members to discuss ongoing CoDA issues.

Email Responder – one person in service, more required

At least two members to answer emails sent to the Enquiries email address, which is where all queries sent via this website are received. This is currently about 1-2 hours a week of service and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. There are templates set up for standard answers and there is support from the CoDA UK committee for more complicated enquiries. For many newcomers, this is their first contact with a member of CoDA so this is an extremely important post requiring commitment and a willingness to carry the message.

General Committee Members – more required

Contributes as appropriate to matters arising in NSC meetings; takes up NSC responsibilities as required to ensure committee objects are achieved; no special remit.

Internal Communications Person – one person in service, more required

Deals with emails coming in to the News & Events email address, either answering them or passing on to other members; keeps the NSC email account and  contact details up-to-date. Updates the CoDA UK news, Groups News and Events pages. Receives incoming emails from website home page enquiry box and gathers an email list of all meeting GSRs/contacts and regularly checks that this is up to date. Sends out emails to GSRs and meeting contacts when requested.

Literature Person

Deals with emails coming into the Literature email address. Point of contact with literature distributors; acts as contact for any groups with literature problems; promotes use of CoDA approved literature within meetings, thereby generating essential revenue for the fellowship; liaises with CoRE Publications in the US about any changes to CoDA approved literature; communication skills and access to email required.

Public Information (PI) Person

Deals with emails coming into the Public Information email address. Responsible for public information; contact organisations to get an entry in their publications; reply to requests for information from publishers or directories; reply to update requests from existing entities; point of contact with outside bodies and other fellowships; assists groups to identify ways to attract members in accordance with the 12 Traditions; it has also been suggested at a recent AGM that a PI person could send out regular newsletters to CoDA members to let everyone know what is happening in CoDA UK.

Regional Representatives

Represents a regional group of CoDA UK; contributes as appropriate to matters arising in NSC meetings; takes up NSC responsibilities as required to ensure committee objects are achieved.

Secretary

Present at committee meetings to make relevant and concise notes (minutes) of what takes place; sends out (usually by email) minutes of the meeting to each committee member after the meeting; liaises with Chair and Vice Chair to assist continuity in deciding the agenda prior to next meeting.

Treasurer

Deals with emails coming into the Treasurer email address. Responsible for overall financial situation of CoDA UK; cheque signatory; pay bills; pay donations into bank; keep records of all finances of CoDA UK; at least basic book keeping skills preferable; must be comfortable around money issues; minimum two year term as treasurer.

Vice Chair – vacant Nov 2025

Filling in wherever needed by the Chair; generally helping with the administration of the NSC; chairing meetings when Chair unavailable; discussing Agenda content with Chair and Secretary; liaising with CoDA members/Chair on issues of conscience; cheque signatory; for this post, two years recovery, including one year as Vice Chair, is required; one year’s service as Vice Chair is followed by a second year as Chair.

Website Coordinator – 2 people in service, more required, especially with technical skills

Deals with emails coming into the Web Service email address. Oversees the website at all times; develops existing website by adding pages where relevant; supports the WTF Co-ordinators in keeping the meetings list up-to-date. Web, preferably broadband, access anywhere in the UK is essential; some knowledge of content management systems is preferable but not vital; willingness to spend a couple of hours a month keeping the site up-to-date is essential.

Meetings List Coordinator – 2 people sharing service, more required

Deals with emails coming into the Meetings email address on at least a weekly basis; keeps the CoDA UK website meetings list up to date and ensures an offline back up copy is available in case of any website issues; ensures all personal contact details for meetings comply with GDPR; works with the website team to develop the meetings part of the website appropriately and in line with updates to the meetings list software. Someone in this service role should be familiar with Traditions 5 and 7, must have access to the internet for updating the website, receiving emails etc and be familiar with managing information using Excel and other Microsoft products. Familiarity with WordPress is also useful but not essential as a full handover document and support from the website team is provided. Familiarity with other parts of the CoDA Service structure and website are also required, as enquiries are sometimes sent to the meetings inbox which need to be directed elsewhere. This role is suitable for a ‘job-share’ if more than one person would like to volunteer.

Sponsorship Representative – position available

Deals with emails coming into the Sponsorship email account, either answering them or passing on to other members; keeps the Sponsorship page up to date and co-ordinates and gives support to members/groups organising Sponsorship workshops.

Public Liability Insurance Service – vacant as of June 2025

Arranges the public liability insurance policy for face to face meetings to protect those in service from legal problems and costs.

CSC Delegates

Attends the CoDA Service Conference (CSC) in person or online to represent the NSC (our Voting Entity or VE) at CoDA worldwide level. The role is for two years, with a vote required by the NSC each year to endorse the service. There are two CSC delegate roles with an alternate role also available – the alternate would step in if one of the CSC delegate is not available to vote in a session.

More details on being the delegate for our VE are in the Fellowship Service Manual, starting on page 83.