A NFP Chair’s Compass - New Guide

The Association of Chairs, a UK peak body, has marked its first anniversary by publishing a guide specifically for chairs of charities to highlight the unique role they play in their organisations.

A Chair’s Compass – A guide for Chairs of charities and Non-profit Organisations sets out four essential focus points: clarity of purpose; cohesive board; constructive relationships; and considered decision-making.

The Association of Chairs says it wants to provide chairs with the practical knowledge, skills and support to enable them to perform their roles to the highest standards of governance.

“Chairing a charity can be a difficult job, but it is vital and rewarding. This new guide from the Association of Chairs is a welcome source of practical support and advice for those volunteering for this important role,” Chairman of the UK Charity Commission, William Shawcross said.

“Chairing a Not for Profit organisation is a skilled and demanding role. Yet there are limited resources and support available for Chairs,” the Association said.

“Indeed most governance support is aimed at trustees in general, rather than tailored for Chairs.”

The authors, UK Not for Profit leaders Ruth Lesirge and Rosalind Oakley said A Chair’s Compass – a guide for Chairs of charities and non-profit organisations  focuses entirely on the Chair’s perspective and the particular challenges and opportunities of the role.

“Whether you are a new Chair, or highly experienced, this guide seeks to provoke both thought and action. This guide will be useful to Chairs and those who support them including Vice Chairs, trustees, Chief Executives and governance advisers,” they said.

The Guide has been developed in partnership with the Lord Mayor’s Charity Leadership Programme and with the support of the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust and CCLA.