About this event

Chairing the board is a difficult role to undertake effectively but is vital to the both the board and the success of the organisation. In this highly participative and engaging masterclass we will explore the many facets of the role of the Chair, considering the key challenges, skills and behaviours required to fulfil such a demanding role. 

This one-day masterclass is designed for:

• Current Chairs, Vice-Chairs (VC) and Senior Independent Directors (SIDs).
• Experienced Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) who aspire to a Chair or SID role in the future.
• NEDs who work closely with Chairs and SIDs.
  

With responsibility for ensuring the board delivers on its purpose, a successful Chair not only leads board discussions and decision-making, but also sets the tone for people dynamics, culture and performance. 

The Chair role can be hugely rewarding and stimulating despite the challenges. Peer group engagement can be immensely valuable not just in succeeding in the role but enjoying it, this masterclass aims to support you in expanding your network. 

If you are currently in, or aspiring to, a Chair position, this one-day practical masterclass will provide you with the knowledge, skills and best practices to not only fulfil the role effectively but to face the challenges as they arise with confidence.

• What it takes to be an effective Chair,
• How to influence interactions between Chair, SID, board, and stakeholders,
• How to work more effectively with your Chair as a senior non-executive.

• Fundamentals of the role - leadership, governance, and partnership.
• Managing the shifts in context and expectations of the Chair.
• What you need to know – strategy, relationships, and culture.
• Working with the CEO and Executive Team - without overstepping into operational management.      
• Working with Sub Committees to boost the effectiveness of the Board
• Leading in challenging times - asking the difficult questions.  

• What exactly is a SID and how is the role defined.
• Fulfilling their interlocutor role between Chair, CEO, shareholders and other stakeholders
• Stakeholder management – mediation, relationships, and leverage.
• The SID as an anchor for effective governance.
• Managing up - performance evaluation of the Chair.

• The board as a team – building cohesion, diversity, and accountability.
• The importance of managing transition on the board and success planning

• Cautionary tales: how it can go wrong.
• Exemplary fables: how to get it right.  
  
  

Speakers
This masterclass is led by Ian White, programme director of Cranfield’s popular Non-Executive Directors’ Programme. Ian brings deep expertise in corporate governance, board effectiveness reviews, and working with boards on how to enhance their alignment and mitigate risk.

Patrick Dunne OBE is a contributor to Cranfield’s Non-Executive Directors Programme and an experienced Chair with extensive experience working with boards around the world. He is author of the award-winning book “Boards” and was a member of the Higgs Review. 

Laurence Vallaeys is a partner at Warren Partners who regularly contribute to Cranfield’s Non-Executive Directors Programme. Laurence has specialised in facilitating board and leadership appointments over a twenty-year career in executive search, she focuses on board appointments for FTSE 250/aim listed companies and private/family owned businesses. 

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Agenda

• 09.30	Arrival, registration and networking - Farrer & Co, 55-56 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3AA
  10.00 - 10.30	Introduction and objectives for the day Ian White, Programme Director for The Non-Executive Directors Programme
  10.30 - 10.45	Break
  10.45 - 12.00	The Role of the Chair: Challenge in challenging times Patrick Dunne
  12.00 - 13.00	Lunch
  13.00 - 14.00	Senior Independent Director: Consiglieri and confident Laurence Vallaeys
  14.00 - 14.15	Break
  14.45 - 15.45	Building the Board: Not as easy as it sounds Ian White
  15.45 - 16.45	Panel Discussion
  16.45 - 17.45	Networking and drinks
  18.00	Departure