Introduction to the Chair Programme
Details
Join our Introduction to the Chair Programme webinar, where John Allan will give a deeper insight into the topics covered and share his perspective on what makes a great Chair. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out whether the programme is right for you.
Step up to Chair with confidence
Becoming a Chair is a significant transition, requiring a shift in mindset, leadership style, and strategic oversight. This new five-part programme from Nurole Plus is designed for experienced board members who are ready to take the next step and want to refine their approach to chairing a board effectively.
Designed and led by John Allan, CBE, former Chair of Tesco PLC, Barratt Developments, and Imperial College London and President of the CBI. John brings unparalleled insight into what makes a truly effective Chair, drawing on his decades of experience leading some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations. John will lead all sessions and will be joined by other experienced Chairs from different sectors to support some of the sessions.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is for those who already have at least one NED role and are seriously and realistically considering taking on a Chair position in the near future. Whether you are targeting your first Chair role or preparing to take on more significant Chair responsibilities, this programme will provide the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.
The learning experience
Each session will feature insights and guidance from John, but this is not just a lecture-style programme. Expect plenty of discussion, break-out rooms, and interactive exercises designed to help you apply key concepts in real-world scenarios. This is an opportunity to engage directly with John and fellow participants, share experiences, and gain practical takeaways that will shape your approach as you step up to Chair.
Certification and recognition
All participants will receive a certificate upon completion and will be able to add this achievement to their Nurole profile - demonstrating their commitment to continuous learning and readiness for Chair roles.
Programme Overview
📆 Four 75-minute sessions on 14th October, 21st October, 28th October, 4th November from 5 - 6.15pm BST/ GMT.
💷 £500 for Nurole Plus members
(£1100 for non-Nurole plus members)
💻 Virtual
🔹 Session 1: Getting started - helping you secure and prepare for Chair roles effectively.
How to be appointed – positioning yourself as a strong candidate.
Due diligence before taking on a role - what to consider when assessing board dynamics, financial health and any governance issues to look out for.
Creating the right first impression - establishing credibility from day 1.
Board mechanics and governance basics – working with the Company Secretary, setting agendas, managing board papers.
Board composition and the role of the SID (Senior Independent Director) – achieving the best balance of skills and governance requirements.
Case study and discussion: a Chair’s induction – what went wrong and how should it have been better handled?
🔹 Session 2: The Chair-CEO relationship – equipping you with tools to build a productive, high-trust relationship.
Defining the Chair-CEO relationship – clarifying roles, common pitfalls, and success factors.
Striking the right balance – how much involvement is too much?
Building trust and credibility – establishing influence while maintaining independence.
Helping the CEO to succeed.
Handling tough conversations with an underperforming CEO.
Managing CEO performance & succession – performance reviews, preparing for transition.
🔹 Session 3: Board committees and managing crises - how to run high-performing boards and navigate crises
The role of the Chair in board committees – audit, remuneration, nomination, defence, ESG.
Crisis Management: handling an activist investor, bid approaches, corporate scandals.
Chairing during a crisis – lessons from real-world situations.
The role of advisors (legal, PR, financial) – when and how to engage them.
🔹 Session 4: Managing Relationships (internal and external) - ensuring you strengthen your influence inside and outside the boardroom.
Managing relationships with NEDs and the executive team – fostering collaboration, giving feedback.
Dos and Don’ts of NED meetings – common mistakes and best practices.
Handling difficult board dynamics – managing conflicts, disengaged NEDs, dominant voices.
Developing relationships with the exec team - best practice.
Managing a shareholder revolt – how should the Chair respond?
Navigating regulators, government, and pressure groups – managing external scrutiny.
Engaging with media and external stakeholders under pressure.
Board evaluations - what good looks like.
Note: all sessions will be recorded if you can’t make some live.
This is a practical, high-impact programme for those serious about stepping up to Chair roles, providing the tools, frameworks, and confidence to succeed.