CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 THERE FOR CHAIRS How to be comfortable in the role Linda Laurance Governance Consultant/Mediator

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 What is expected from a Chair? What do Chairs need in their role to be effective, to effectively lead their Boards? How can the Chair support the CEO?

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 Where does the power lie? Ultimate responsibility lies with the Board The CEO is an employee of the Board and a manager of both staff and volunteers, but can also be a Board member All hold the welfare of the organisation in their care

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 BUT Boards are often cautious and therefore Managers can be frustrated Boards can be creative – but may be frustrated by the lack of information they need to make innovative decisions without taking irresponsible risks

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 The Relationship The Board Management LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 Boundaries between Board and Management Good governance is a shared responsibility but for the Board –It is not necessarily about doing, it is about ensuring that things are done –Chairs need to be watchful for themselves and for their fellow Board members that boundaries are respected

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 The Chair’s Role Primarily to maintain a first class Board delivering first class governance –To lead the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities –To work in partnership with the CEO helping him/her to achieve the mission of the organisation –To optimise the relationship between the Board and the staff and volunteers –

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 Communication between Chair and CEO Ongoing Ensuring that the Board is kept informed of what they need to know collectively and individually Encouraging/supporting/managing conflict Chair sharing with the rest of the Board/CEO sharing with staff/volunteers

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 Expectations and Perceptions Availability Professional relationship Personal relationship Mutual respect and support Trust and honesty Dealing with disagreements Confidentiality

CEOs’ Leadership Convention Leicester, December 1-2, 2010 Questions The best aspects of my role as Chair are……. The worst aspects of my role as Chair are…… The things most needed from the CEO for the Chair and Board to be effective are…….. The things I think the CEO most needs from us in order for him/her to be effective, are……….