A good Chair doesn’t just open and close a meeting — they set the tone for everything that happens in between. In local councils, the Chair’s role is often misunderstood or underplayed. But time and again, we’ve seen that a well-chaired meeting runs smoother, gets more done, and earns more respect — even when discussions are tough.
The Chair’s Real Job
- Uphold the process — ensuring standing orders are followed
- Facilitate debate — giving fair space without letting things spiral
- Model behaviour — showing civility, neutrality, and control
- Represent the council — internally and externally, with clarity and dignity
It’s not about being the loudest or most experienced. It’s about focus, fairness, and purpose.
What Happens Without Purposeful Chairing?
We’ve observed meetings where:
- Strong personalities dominate
- Procedural points are missed or misused
- Members talk over each other, or staff
- Key decisions get rushed or pushed aside
These problems often aren’t about the agenda — they’re about the person running the room.
Traits of an Effective Chair
- Neutrality – You’re not a spokesperson for a group. You’re there to serve the process.
- Preparation – Knowing the agenda and potential flashpoints.
- Composure – Staying calm even when others aren’t.
- Clarity – Keeping the meeting focused, audible, and lawful.
And most importantly: knowing when to move on. A Chair isn’t there to let everyone talk forever. They’re there to make sure everyone has fair opportunity, and that decisions are made.
Supporting the Chair Role
If your council wants better meetings, start by supporting better Chairs:
- Provide formal training (yes, even for seasoned members)
- Offer mentoring from experienced Chairs
- Set clear expectations about role and boundaries
- Encourage reflective practice after difficult meetings
Final Thought
A Chair isn’t just a formality. They are the guardian of good process. The calm in the storm. The difference between chaos and credibility.
If you want more effective meetings, start with who’s holding the gavel — and how they’re using it.