Non-executives need to work highly independently and rely on their own judgement – this is even more true for Chairs. By developing your understanding of the complexities of the role, both practical and interpersonal, you can gain assurance that your approach is truly effective.
Our ‘Becoming an effective Chair’ programme supports you to do just this, with a small group of your peers. Aimed at both current and aspiring Chairs, the three session programme combines leading board effectiveness research with practical experience. Both facilitators are experienced Chairs and two guest speakers, with long-time experience of chairing complex boards, will join the final session to share their insights.
This programme will equip you to step up to Chair, whether your first role or to a more complex board, and to enhance your effectiveness in the role – as well as expanding your network of experienced NEDs.
Led by two experienced Chairs, you and a small cohort of your peers (12 participants max.) will consider lessons from current research on the Chair’s role in board effectiveness and discuss their practical application, contextualised with personal experiences.The programme will examine the Chair’s role in ensuring the board fulfils its responsibilities and overseeing board processes as well as the personal style and qualities that help make an effective Chair.
By the end of the programme you will have enhanced your network with connections to a diverse peer group of non-executive directors and Chairs.
Who should attend this workshop?
“With such a shortage of female Chairs, this initiative is much welcomed and brings excellent practical experience/ advice to help more women be prepared and motivated to aim for Chair roles.”
JacquiFerguson, Portfolio Non Exec Director, Chair & Advisor, Sunday Times Dame Helen Alexander NED to Watch Winner 2018
“A unique offer for entry-level Chairs to consider their approach to the role – the insights from such highly experienced speakers will be of tremendous value.”
Monica Chadha, portfolio NED & Chair, Cranfield Woman to Watch list 2019
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 Chair positions, perhaps in a different sector or of a full board;
- Chairs seeking to develop their skills and effectiveness and understand the latest thinking around effective governance;
Given the highly interactive nature of the programme, we anticipate that participants will learn as much from each other as they do from the main speakers, as well as extending their network of peers.
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@womenonboards.co.uk / 020 3925 4080
Speakers
Lisa Jones
Business Angel Investor, NED, Women on Boards Consultant, Ambassador and Presenter
Lisa’s business life has been spent in marketing communications agencies, working on business-to-business clients across Europe. Lisa is well known in the industry for being passionate and capable. She is skilled at challenging and inspiring others which is why she was also the Board Director responsible for implementing agency personal performance training alongside her client relationship responsibilities. In addition to supporting WOB UK Ltd, Lisa is an active business angel investor. Lisa is also trustee, and Chair, for the London based charity Regenerate which helps to transform deprived communities from the inside and a NED on a start up CIC called The Feel Good Bakery.Rowena Ironside
Rowena spent 25 years as an executive in the ICT sector, starting out writing software in Australia; building an IT services business in London; and running international services businesses in the software and hosting industries. Rowena has been a non-executive member of boards in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors since 2006, including 5 years as the inaugural Chair of the charity Compassion in Dying. She was executive Chair of Women on Boards UK from its launch in 2012 until October 2020 and is currently Chair of the healthcare charity PSPA and an independent committee Chair for THIS Institute. Rowena attended INSEAD’s Leading from the Chair programme in 2019.
Chair Speakers for Session 3:
Sally Bridgeland:
Sally is an experienced Chair and is currently Chair of AIM listed Impax Asset Management, Local Pensions Partnership and With-Profits Committee Chair at Royal London. She is also a non-executive director of Pension Insurance Corporation plc and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Limited, having worked in the UK pensions industry for 30 years.
Originally qualifying as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries with consultants Bacon & Woodrow (now Aon), she was CEO of the BP Pension Fund from 2007-2014. Sally held a number of voluntary roles with the actuarial profession and was the first lady Master of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries 2016-17.
Dee Lehane:
Dee is an International executive and Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair with 30 years of Insurance and Retail Financial services experience. She is currently Chair of Westfield Managing Agency Ltd – Lloyds, Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the HR Committee at Argo Group and Non-Executive Director of Xchanging Ins-Sure Services (XIS).