I’m a new chair
New to chairing? Not sure where to start? Find out more with these tips.
Congratulations on taking on a chairing role!
As a chair, you are a vital volunteer. Together with the trustees, you are responsible for the governance and oversight of your charity or non-profit.
It’s a challenging, rewarding role, and a big responsibility. We are here to help and support you to be the best chair you can be.
Support, resources, and events for you
We understand the challenges of chairing, and we are here to support you. To help you be the best chair you can be, we offer:
- A range of support services, such as one to one advice, online peer sessions, and co-mentoring.
- A collaborative community of fellow chairs and trustees to connect with.
- Bespoke resources about all aspects of chairing.
- Expert training and webinars for you to learn about chairing essentials and more.
- Opportunities to network, in person and online.
Top tips for new chairs from our chairing mentors
Chairing is a big responsibility. At the beginning, it’s not uncommon for new chairs to feel overwhelmed or confused by the role, especially if they are new to the world of non-profits too. We have some suggestions of what to do when you first get into your role, provided by our Chairs in Need mentors.
Tips from Roma Hooper, who has over 30 years’ board experience.
- Meet with your trustees individually – it’s very important to build trust.
- Meet the CEO with their senior leadership team.
- Hopefully you will have met the previous chair to get some insights.
- Beware of the unknown – never assume that your CEO, however wonderful they are, is actually giving you all the facts and keeping you in the frame. Don’t be intrusive with your questions – be supportive.
- Familiarise yourself with the finances, bank accounts, latest annual report. Fully understand the funding situation.
- Be kind to yourself and to your new team.
Tips from Andrew Purkis, who has over 40 years’ board experience.
- Listen for a while, arranging meetings to do so, with other trustees and the CEO, to find out what their priorities are and what they think they most want from the new chair. Don’t be a hasty new broom.
- Establish a clear understanding with the CEO as to how you are going to work – regular one-to-ones, no surprises, open to phone calls/texts or whatever whenever something won’t wait.
- Establish an intention of shared leadership. Remember you are not the CEO, nor executive chair, but a team player: the conductor of the orchestra, not the soloist. So give space to committee chairs to introduce their topics at board meetings, consider regular meetings of committee chairs, discuss the case for a vice-chair if there isn’t one.
- Set a pattern of inclusive chairing of meetings. Don’t let individuals hog the space. Invite quiet individuals to give a view. Be clear about timings, what the board is trying to achieve, and summing up decisions clearly.
- Read “It’s a Battle on the Board” by Debra Allcock Tyler.
Tips from Vanessa Stirum, who has held a variety of chair and trustee roles.
- Get to know your trustees, their skills and qualities by meeting with them on a one to one basis.
- Delegate to trustees according to their skills and interest and don’t be tempted to do it all.
- Be aware of your own style of leadership and how this fits with the board. Share this with the board.
- Establish a strong trusting relationship with the CEO and let this be known.
- Be open to support and advice.
Useful resources
Find out more with these useful links and resources.
Get your free guide to chairing
A Chair’s Compass is a comprehensive guide to being a charity and non-profit chair, and it’s completely free to download.
