Effective chairing of meetings

Lead meetings with clarity, confidence, and purpose

This one-day course is designed for board members and senior executives who regularly chair meetings at board, committee, or system level. It offers practical support to develop a confident chairing style that encourages engagement, steers effective discussions, and supports strong governance.

Through expert input, interactive exercises and peer learning, participants will explore techniques to manage meeting dynamics, create the right environment for discussion, and ensure meetings deliver clear outcomes.

Key takeaways

1. Understand the core responsibilities of a meeting chair in a board and committee meeting setting.
2. Develop practical techniques for facilitating discussions inclusively, ensuring all voices are heard.
3. Learn how to plan and structure meetings to support effective decision-making.
4. Strengthen your ability to lead meetings with authority while encouraging openness and challenge.

Given the current challenges facing the NHS, meetings need to be optimised to meet objectives and ensure efficient use of time. The meeting chair plays a critical role in creating inclusive, focused meetings that encourage scrutiny, support accountability, and drive better decisions. This course helps NHS leaders sharpen the skills needed to chair meetings that are structured, outcome‑driven and have impact.

• A core set of principles to that can be applied to chairing meetings across the NHS governance structure.
• Preparing effectively for meetings, ensuring agendas are prioritised and reports are fit for purpose.
• Clarifying the purpose of the forum and securing the right membership to support delivery of objectives.
• Creating a safe, inclusive environment that encourages appropriate debate and decision-making.
• Developing skills to summarise discussions effectively and clearly articulate actions.
• Managing difficult meeting behaviours with confidence.
• Practical exercises to practise chairing techniques and approaches.
• Peer networking and discussion to explore common challenges and solutions.

The course runs from 9.30am to 4pm (subject to change).

This training is open Members and Non-Members f The NHS Alliance.

NHS Alliance Member: £355 (ex VAT) | £426 (incl. VAT)
Non-Member: £532.50 (ex VAT) | £639 (incl. VAT)

You will need to provide a purchase order number at booking to confirm your place on this course. Card payments are also accepted. 

Follow the ‘Book now’ link at the top of this page to book your place. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so.

• Non-executive directors including chairs.
• Senior executives and managers.