Ex Officio

/ ˌeks.əˈfɪʃ.i.əʊ / adjective; adverb /

RE: AUTHORITY, GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP

Ex officio is a Latin phrase that means “by virtue of one’s position or office.” It’s used to describe someone who is automatically given a role or responsibility because of another job they already hold. For example, a university dean might be an ex officio member of an academic committee—not because they were elected or chosen separately, but simply because their main role includes that responsibility.

This term is often used in formal settings such as government, law, or organisations. For instance, a government regulator might sit ex officio on an industry consultation committee, offering insight and oversight due to their official position. The person isn’t joining the group as a separate appointment, they’re there because the role they already hold gives them that seat.

Ex officio can be used as both an adjective (“She is an ex officio board member”) and an adverb (“He attends the meetings ex officio”). It’s a small phrase that signals something important: that certain powers or responsibilities come automatically with a position of authority.

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