How to Chair Meetings

The role of the Chair is to ensure the agenda for constructive plans are discussed and carried out and also to ensure the accurate recording of the meeting. Any correspondence is given at the start of the meeting. If there is too much on the agenda, the Chair decides what are the most important matters to discuss. The Chair also decides the limits of the discussion, and returns the meeting to the topic whenever someone strays. She/he insists only one person speaks at a time, and that everyone understands what is being said and why. Matters adjourned from previous meetings are dealt with. The Chair identifies problems, supports an exchange of ideas, evaluates alternatives, and selects a course of action usually by consensus, majority vote, by unanimity, or by the Chair’s decision. Who? When? Where? How? Questions are asked. The minutes of the meeting must be typed as soon as possible after the meeting and the Chair must check they are correct and make sure they are circulated to all members. The Chair makes essential and emergency decisions between committee meetings and helps workers deal with difficult situations. The Chair must check themselves for personal bias at all times and act as spokesperson for the committee, not themselves. Usually the Chair is elected in some democratic way at an annual general meeting usually for a fixed period, such as 3 or 5 years.

It is the role of all other positions within the group to see that the Chair does their role properly. 

Questions and Answers from postbag

Dear Wendy: Where is Troyes and is it important historically? Micky Mac

Dear Mickey: Troyes in Champagne region of France, is a city built on a very early Christian martyr holy site. It is at a strategic cross roads, and was known for sheep rearing and for its early goods fair. Bernard of Clairvaux was from this region which was a hot spot of culture, chivalry and Knights Templar activity. The Count of Champagne asked the Tironesian builders to found a school of architecture in Chartres. The St Clair family originated in Champagne region, and the Tironesians had a connection to Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel. 

Dear Wendy: Can ghosts be stopped from haunting? If so, how can this be done? Kat Bishop Adel, West Yorkshire