Effective chairing of organisations
3 - 31 July 2026
London
Event days
Governance
Leadership
Overview
Step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and impact
This three-part training programme is for new or aspiring chairs in the NHS. It focuses on the role of the chair in an NHS organisation, in developing an effective unitary board, and in system partnerships.
The programme is delivered across three modules. Modules 1 is delivered virtually and modules 2-3 are full day modules delivered face-to-face in London. By booking on to this course, you are committing to attend all three dates within the training programme.
Key takeaways
- Gain clarity on the role of an NHS chair and key relationships with leaders and stakeholders.
- Review the purpose and responsibilities of a unitary board and its members.
- Explore the fundamentals of good governance, from structures and risk to effective meetings.
- Strengthen board dynamics while advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Apply system leadership behaviours when working with system partners.
- Learn from the insights and experiences of seasoned NHS chairs.
- Connect with peers and build a supportive professional network.
Why this matters
Corporate governance in the UK is based on a separation of powers, with the chief executive officer leading the management of the organisation and the chair leading the board. It is the chair’s responsibility to ensure that the membership of the board is equal to the task it faces and to ensure that the board is effective in carrying out its duties - from setting strategy, to overseeing the work of the executive, to triangulating information to confirm assurance.
This training course will explore the chair’s role in an NHS organisation; how to nurture effective dynamics and relationships within the board team; system leadership behaviours; and, in NHS foundation trusts. It’ll delve into how the chair leads the council of governors in examining board performance and representing the interests of the public.
Well organised and easy to follow instructions. I liked the first day being virtual and the rest in person. Speakers great and fabulous for them and the facilitators to be so frank. Excellent facilitation - they really tuned into the needs, mood and energy of the group!
What we'll cover
Module 1: Governance – Friday 3 July 2026, 10.00am-3.00pm, (Virtual via Zoom)
Module 2: Board relationships and culture – Thursday 30 July 2026, 10.00am-4.00pm, (In-person, London)
Module 3: Managing system relationships and putting into practice – Friday 31 July 2026, 9.30am-4.00pm, (In-person, London)
Delegates are expected to attend all three training days as part of the programme.
Trainers
Pamela Chesters
Associate - Board Development Programme
NHS Providers
Pamela Chesters spent nearly 20 years with BP, where she became chief executive of Duckhams Oils, before moving into the public sector. She has extensive chairing experience across health, housing, education, and children's and older people's services. In health, Pamela chaired the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust for eight years before going on to serve as Mayoral Advisor to Boris Johnson for Health and Families in his first administration. She served as chair of Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust from June 2012 to 2016. In addition to leading training on governance for the past decade, Pamela recently served for six years as a non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee at the Ministerial Board for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Natalie McMillan
Associate - Board Development Programme
NHS Providers
Peter Howie
Associate - Board Development Programme
NHS Providers
Pricing
Open to NHS Providers members, associate members and non-members.
Member (trusts and foundation trusts): £985 (ex VAT) | £1,182 (incl VAT)
Associate Member and integrated care boards: £1,240 | £1,488 (incl VAT)
Non Member: £1,480 | £1,776 (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.
Booking on to this event means you are booking on to all three parts of the training.
Very well constructed and great opportunity to meet colleagues from other regions!
Who should attend
- New NHS chairs with less than 12 months experience.
- Aspiring NHS chairs (within two years of potential appointment).
Bring this training to your trust
Delivered in-house and shaped around your priorities — helping your board embed learning, strengthen alignment and make smarter use of time and budget.
Enquire now
