How to be an EFFECTIVE CHAIR OF A BOARD for a Trust, Club, Society or Community Organisation

The role of the Chair is pivotal to the success of any board. A good Chair does more than run meetings — they help create the conditions for strong governance, effective decision-making, respectful relationships, and a board that works well together.

This 2-hour interactive session is designed to build confidence and capability in the Chair role, with a strong focus on the practical realities of chairing in community, voluntary, and not-for-profit settings.

Whether you are new to the role, stepping into the Chair position soon, or aspiring to become a Chair, this session will give you a clear understanding of what the role involves and how to do it well.

Over the workshop we will over:

Roles and responsibilities of the Chair in governance

• Covering what it actually means to be a chair, importance of knowing your guiding document

How to be effective in the role

• Including managing strategic relationships, Communication, meeting management and issues you might face

Legal responsibilities and obligations

• How to handle sensitive information and financial controls

This session is grounded in real-world examples from community organisations and provides a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others in similar roles.