Characteristics of a good chairperson

The chairperson plays a key role on any voluntary management committee.  Below are summarised some of the key qualities, skills and knowledge that are characteristic of an effective chairperson.

Qualities, skills and knowledge

A good chairperson will:

• speak clearly and succinctly;
• be sensitive to the feelings of members;
• be impartial and objective;
• start and finish on time;
• be approachable;
• have an understanding of the voluntary and community sector;
• be tactful;
• have knowledge of the organisation's key networks;
• be able to delegate;
• have experience of management committee involvement;
• show interest in member's viewpoints;
• have sound knowledge of the organisation's work;
• have an ability to respect confidences; and
• ensure decisions are taken and recorded.

Do's and Don'ts