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As part of Trustees’ Week, Community Foundation North East welcomed charity Chairs to our latest Chairing Network event, hosted at RBC Brewin Dolphin in Newcastle city centre. The session brought together sector leaders to share experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and explore the unique challenges of governance.
Jeffery Ball, Investment Manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, opened the event by highlighting the critical role Chairs play in turning governance from “a piece of paper” into meaningful action. We are grateful to RBC Brewin Dolphin for supporting the event.
Guest speaker, David Beuzeval of ION Consulting, led the discussion on what it means to be a ‘reluctant Chair’ – often the last person willing to take on the responsibility. He shared three key learnings for those in this position.
David explained that the first step for any Chair is to know your strengths and weaknesses. He encouraged investing in a mentor and recognising that being a reluctant Chair can actually be a strength, as it often stems from a genuine commitment to the organisation rather than a desire for control.
Secondly, he advised Chairs to be clear about what they want to achieve. Defining your goals early provides focus and helps guide your leadership approach.
Finally, David stressed the importance of setting boundaries and protecting your time. Learning to say no is essential, as is mapping out what you can realistically give and what you expect in return.
Colette Harrison, Sector Support Manager Community Foundation North East, said:
“The Chairing Network continues to inspire honest conversations and peer support for Chairs across the region. Most Chairs do not actively apply for their role. This event acknowledged and celebrated the dedication of individuals who accept the challenge because of a commitment to the mission of the organisation they lead. As always, it was a privilege to bring together talented and inspirational Chairs and because of them, great work continues.”
The event also featured inspiring contributions from Kay Jones, Chair of Eating Distress North East, and Ivan Hollingsworth, Chair of CHUF. Kay reflected on her journey into the Chair role, emphasising that governance is “as much about people as it is about process” and the importance of connecting with staff at all levels. Ivan spoke about creating a non-hierarchical board culture where every voice matters and ensuring CHUF never loses sight of its vision and values.
The Chairing Network provided a valuable space for peer learning, networking and honest conversations about the realities of governance. The next Chairing Network event will be on Thursday 22 January, from 9am-11am. You can see our upcoming events here.