Effective chairing of meetings

Lead meetings with clarity, confidence, and purpose

This one-day course is designed for NHS chairs and other board members 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 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 chair in board and committee meetings.
2. Develop practical techniques for managing discussions and ensuring all voices are heard.
3. Learn how to structure meetings to support effective decision-making.
4. Strengthen your ability to lead meetings with authority while encouraging openness and challenge.

Effective chairing is critical to strong governance and high-performing boards. Good chairs create inclusive, focused meetings that encourage scrutiny, support accountability, and drive better decisions. As system working becomes increasingly important, skilled chairing is also essential for collaboration beyond organisational boundaries. This course helps NHS leaders sharpen the skills needed to chair with confidence, fairness, and impact.

• 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.
• Building strong relationships to support effective meetings. Managing difficult meeting behaviours with confidence.
• Principles apply to chairing meetings within NHS trusts and in a system context.
• 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).

Open to NHS Providers members, associate members and non-members.

Member: £280 (ex VAT) | £336 (incl. VAT)
Associate Member: £350 (ex VAT) |  £420 (incl. VAT)
Non Member: £420 (ex VAT) | £504 (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.