The role of Chair is unique in the boardroom; as a non-executive you are expected to contribute independently to discussions and decisions, but as the Chair you are responsible for deciding what will be discussed, crafting the scaffolding of those discussions and ensuring good decisions are reached.  By developing your understanding of the complexities of the role, both practical and interpersonal, you will gain confidence that your approach is effective and reflects current best-practice. 

Our ‘Becoming an Effective Chair’ programme supports you to do just this. Aimed at both current and aspiring Chairs, the two-session programme combines leading board effectiveness research with practical experience.  Led by experienced Chairs, you and a small cohort of your peers will consider lessons from recent research on the Chair’s role in board effectiveness and discuss their practical application, contextualised with personal experiences.  Each session will culminate with a 30-minute Q&A with a guest Chair, who will share their experience and insights and answer your questions.

This programme will equip you to step up confidently as a board Chair, whether in your first role or to a more complex board and will enhance your effectiveness in the role. It will also expand your personal network of non-executives and Chairs, connections which will continue to serve you throughout your board career.

Who should attend this workshop?

“This is an excellent programme that I would highly recommend to new or existing Chairs. The content is perfectly targeted, the speakers are great and the opportunity to learn from them and from peers was really valuable. I was able to apply what I had learnt in a new setting very soon after as a Chair, establishing a new body and its governance, culture and ways of working. I still apply that learning today.”
Trisha McAuley, Becoming an Effective Chair participant

“This programme helped me approach the role with more confidence. It covered the opportunities & challenges of the role & provided a good insight into how to succeed.”
Fiona Fry, Becoming an Effective Chair participant

The programme is limited to 12 participants and is suited to:

• Non-executives who are considering taking on a Chair position in the future and want to build a deeper understanding of the role;
• Chairs targeting more complex positions, perhaps in a different sector or of a larger organisation;
• Chairs seeking to develop their skills and effectiveness and understand the latest thinking around effective governance;

All participants must have sufficient board experience to realistically consider a Chair position now or in future or currently be in a board or committee Chair role. The programme is relevant to all types of boards and sectors. 

Do get in touch if you are unsure of your suitability for this programme: contact@wbdirectors.co.uk / 020 3925 4080

Programme schedule:

Session 1 – Tuesday 4th March 2025, 10am-12.30pm

Session 2 – Wednesday 5th March 2025, 10am-12.30pm

Our guest Chairs for this programme are:

Susan Hooper sits on the Boards of Moonpig plc and Uber UK.  She is a Co-Founder of Chapter Zero and is involved in several start-ups in carbon capture and sustainability.  Susan is also an Ambassador for the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Richard Collier-Keywood is the Chair of the Welsh Rugby Union, Chair of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, the Chair of Fair4All Finance (the UK financial inclusion organisation funded by dormant assets), the Chair of New Forest Care (a company that provides bespoke care and education to children with complex needs).  Richard is on the Board and chairs the finance committee of Women of the World Foundation, he is on the Board and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund, he is on the Board and chairs the finance committee of St George’s House based in Windsor Castle, he is on the Board of CoGo, a social enterprise tech start-up based in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, focussed on empowering consumers in their climate choices and finally, he is a non-executive director on the international Board of Eversheds-Sutherland.

Previously Richard was a senior adviser to DCMS (2017 to 2021) and Global Vice-Chairman of PwC from November 2011 to February 2017 and served as Managing Partner of PwC UK from 2008 to 2011. Richard is a barrister and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Programme Leads: