What is the Role of the Chairperson?

Chairing is a key role on any voluntary Management Committee.  The Chairperson must ensure that the Management Committee functions properly, that there is full participation during meetings, that all relevant matters are discussed and that effective decisions are made and carried out.

The role of a Chairperson is time consuming, with work between meetings, external representation of the organisation, and work with staff. Chairing a large organisation requires diplomatic and leadership skills of a high level.

Main duties of the chairperson

The responsibilities of a Chairperson can be summarised under five areas:

To provide leadership
The overarching role of the chairperson is to provide leadership, they must be an effective strategist and a good networker.

To ensure the Management Committee functions properly
The Chairperson is responsible for making sure that each meeting is planned effectively, conducted according to the constitution and that matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner.  The Chairperson must make the most of all his/her committee members, building and leading the team.  This also involves regularly reviewing the Committee’s performance and identifying and managing the process for renewal of the Committee through recruitment of new members.

Download:  Running Effective Meetings
Download:  Chairing Meetings
Download:  Reviewing & Renewing Your Committee

To ensure the organisation is managed effectively
The Chairperson must co-ordinate the Committee to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for the effective management of the organisation.

Download: Policies & Procedures

To provide support and supervision to the chief officer and senior team
The Chairperson will often be the direct line manager for the chief officer (the most senior staff member).

Download:  Managing the Senior Staff Member
Download:  Supervising the Senior Staff Member

To represent the organisation as its figurehead
The Chairperson may from time to time be called upon to represent the organisation and sometimes be its spokesperson at, for example, functions or meetings.