3 Ways to Be a More Impactful Chair.

The position of Board Chair is one that comes with a substantial amount of responsibility, but it is also an incredibly worthwhile and rewarding role.

 
While the role may vary from organisation to organisation, the Charities Regulator define it as follows:

• Leading the Board;

• Ensuring smooth running of board meetings;

• Promoting good governance among fellow charity trustees;

• Providing supervision and support to the CEO/Director and SMT;

• Acting as a figurehead or spokesperson where required.

So how can you go above and beyond to be a Chair that drives real impact in your organisation?

1.      Lead with Integrity

The most effective Board Chairs go beyond expectations by cultivating a collaborative board culture and engaging fellow members in ways that best utilise their unique and individual strengths. According to Boardable: 
 
“An effective Board Chair brings out the best in others and moves your organisation forward throughout their term. They embody the spirit of the organisation and continually keep the integrity and goals of the organisation at the forefront of every decision they make.”

It’s vital as a Board Chair that you build relationships with your fellow Board members, adopt a learning mindset, and set the tone for a collaborative board culture.

2.       Embrace Philanthropy, Partnerships and Fundraising Development

In the context of embedding philanthropy and meaningful external partnerships into your organisation, an impactful Chair is one who embraces fundraising with enthusiasm and vigour. Therefore it’s imperative that fundraising is on the agenda at every board meeting, and as Chair, it’s important to lead by example and make it a priority.

Here are some ways that a not-for-profit Board Chair might involve themselves in fundraising:

• Expanding the organisation’s potential donor network by introducing staff members to business and personal contacts.

• Keeping up-to-date on the organisation’s fundraising strategy and donor cultivation plans.

• Making a personal donation at a level within your capacity and encourage others on the Board to do the same .

• Spreading the word about the importance and impact of the organisation.

3. Build a Relationship with the CEO

Secondly, a healthy relationship between the Board Chair and the organisation’s CEO is key.  In an interview with Nick Coleridge, Chairman of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Prince of Wales’ Campaign for Wool, and the Gilbert Trust for the Arts, Nick says:

 
“The Chair is not meant to be making all the decisions, but can be a useful sounding board – especially if you understand the organisation as well as I think you should. The Director of the V&A and I have an informal/formal breakfast once a month. We each arrive with a list of about eight points, pose questions and share our perspectives on different issues raised. It works well, because we’re incredibly open with each other. It’s a very fine balance that you have to get right.” 

Without a doubt it’s vital that a Board Chair and organisation’s CEO be in alignment about the organisation’s mission and direction. Building a synergetic and respectful working relationship will ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals – which will help to make those goals much more achievable.