The Role of Chair
The Chair has a leadership role and their key duties can include:
- preparing agendas for the meeting in consultation with the staff and other trustees
- ensuring meetings are run efficiently, and discussion and decision-making is democratic and fully participative
- communicating
- supporting the Chief Officer
- ensuring that the governance functions of the organisation and meetings are carried out according to the constitution - protecting and promoting processes
The Chair may also represent the organisation at external events and meetings e.g. acting as an advocate for the organisation and may take part in practical activities such as staff recruitment.
The role does however also have limitations. For charities, all charity trustees are equally responsibility for the governance of the charity and a chair should continue to be held to account by the other trustees.
Further reading and links
Reach Volunteering - Sample trustee role guides
DIY Committee Guide role description
Highland third Sector Interface - Role of the chair
Dumfries and Galloway TSI - Chair role description
The TSI learning portal includes an online course - Being an effective chair
For further free, well-informed information, find your local Third Sector Interface (TSI) at the directory page here