Overview
Holding meetings is an essential aspect of business life and are vehicles which allow business to be transacted efficiently and effectively. They should be stimulating, motivating and even fun! This course teaches the practical skills that every chair needs to facilitate effective meetings, focusing on advanced planning, skilled facilitation, and continuous improvement.
Delivered with a mix of teaching, exercises and discussion, we focus on planning, chairing, and evaluation. While designed primarily for Chairs, this course is equally valuable for those who support or advise Chairs - including Company Secretaries, board administrators, and governance professionals.
Course costs (ex VAT)
Non-member -£550
Professional subscriber - £495
Member - £440
A discount is available for registered charities, please email training@cgi.org.uk.
For any related enquiries please contact us at training@cgi.org.uk, or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Develop comprehensive agendas and meeting plans that promote focused discussion, efficient time management, and effective decision-making.
2. Demonstrate advanced chairing techniques, including nuanced active listening, clear communication, and inclusive facilitation, to lead discussions confidently and inclusively.
3. Apply effective conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies to address challenging situations and build consensus in a boardroom context.
4. Implement strategies for fostering an inclusive and engaging meeting environment.
5. Evaluate their performance as a Chair using self-reflection and feedback and develop a plan for continuous improvement.
Audience
This course is ideal for:
1. Current Chairs seeking to refine and enhance their leadership and meeting management skills, moving beyond foundational knowledge to advanced techniques.
2. Aspiring Chairs who have a basic understanding of the role and are ready to develop practical, high-impact chairing techniques.
3. Board members or senior executives aiming to gain a deeper understanding of advanced chairing strategies and contribute more effectively in highly productive meetings.
4. Company Secretaries, governance professionals, and board support staff who want to master meeting quality and provide optimal, strategic support to Chairs.
5. Anyone involved in facilitating or evaluating board-level meetings across all sectors (listed and private companies, charities, public sector, and the NHS).
Proficiency Level: Ideal for Chairs looking to refresh and sharpen their skills, or those with foundational knowledge seeking advanced practical application.
You will also receive:
- A delegate pack containing comprehensive course notes and presentation slides
- A certificate to show you have attended the course
- 6 hours credit towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- 6 months complimentary professional subscription of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.
Testimonials
"The course was very well planned and the content was very good. We were up and about which kept everyone engaged and alert."
★★★★★
"The trainer was clearly very knowledgeable and found excellent ways of sharing his knowledge in a way which was fun but also made it more memorable."
★★★★★
"A big thank you to the trainer for making an everyday topic really interesting!"
★★★★★
People who take this course often go on to book:
Useful CGI Resources:
A wealth of further information and guidance on governance practices can be found in our Resources.
Competency framework
This course aligns to CGI’s competency framework: Entry/Emerging
Use the competency framework to identify your strengths and areas for improvement in governance.
Programme
Advanced Agenda Design: Crafting purposeful agendas that drive outcomes, with attention to sequencing, timing, and stakeholder prep.
Effective Facilitation: Balancing structure and flexibility to guide discussions, manage time, and ensure clarity of decisions.
Nuanced Listening & Summarisation: Practicing active listening, asking probing questions, and distilling complex conversations into actionable points.
Managing Contributions: Handling verbose or unclear input while maintaining clarity and momentum.
Handling Difficult Dynamics: Techniques for managing dominant/passive participants, redirecting off-topic discussions, and resolving conflict constructively.
Consensus Building: Encouraging collaboration and agreement even amid disagreement.
Creating Psychological Safety: Fostering an environment where all voices are heard and respected.
Equitable Participation: Drawing out quieter members and managing group dynamics for balanced input.
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Simulation-Based Learning: Applying chairing techniques in realistic scenarios with peer and facilitator feedback.
Self-Evaluation & Action Planning: Reflecting on performance and setting goals for ongoing development.
Final Q&A session. Review takeaway materials, including the comprehensive Chair’s checklist and model agenda.
Course Leaders
