Emerging Chairs Programme
Provided by: Cause4
Event details
- External Event
- 15 Jan - 22 Jan 2026
- Online
- £85 + VAT plus processing fees
15 January 2026 to 22 January 2026
Emerging Chairs – a programme to support those taking on charity leadership roles.
Chairing a charity board is a balancing act of strategy, diplomacy, and accountability, and as a high-level voluntary position can be both a privilege and a challenge.
Strong leadership and good governance doesn’t come by chance, and without effective training, even the most passionate leaders can struggle to turn good intentions into lasting impact.
That’s where the Emerging Chairs Programme comes in.
Suitable for both aspiring and existing Chairs, this renowned training is designed to give participants the skills and confidence to thrive in this vital leadership role.
Delivered in an engaging and expert-led environment, you will learn:
- The key skills needed to effectively Chair a charitable organisation
- The relational and communicative qualities of a healthy board and how to set a positive organisational culture
- How to support your Senior Management team and get the best out of your workforce and board
- How to develop a long-term business plan and strategy
- The key components of fundraising and marketing at a governance level
- How to overcome some of the biggest challenges you might face as a Chair
Course Structure
The Emerging Chairs Programme covers key topics in chairing a Board of Trustees in five core modules
–Leading a Board of Trustees– Learn how to manage your board effectively, build the right mix of skills, sustain morale, and tackle common challenges with confidence.
–Supporting the Senior Management Team– Understand the vital balance between governance and executive leadership, and discover how to set a positive, effective organisational culture.
–Developing a Long-Term Business Plan and Strategy– Explore how to shape and monitor strategy, use key performance indicators, and define the roles of trustees and executives in steering the organisation.
–Fundraising and Marketing– Unpack how trustees can play an active role in strengthening a charity’s fundraising and marketing, ensuring financial sustainability and public engagement.
–Challenges for Charity Chairs– Reflect on the journey, consolidate learning, and focus on developing your leadership style for long-term impact.
Want to become certified? The Emerging Chairs Programme is now Approved by the Institute of Leadership & Management, so you can opt to receive certification on completion of the course. This is a valuable way to demonstrate your continuing professional development and to showcase your commitment to becoming an effective board member.
Your Expert Trainer
The programme is led by Michelle Wright, CEO and Founder of Cause4. Since founding Cause4 in 2009, Michelle has undertaken major strategic and business development projects, including with a number of national charities, and through consultancy work for FTSE 100 brands. Michelle developed and continues to deliver the Trustee Leadership and Emerging Chairs Programmes nationwide, supporting more than 500 people each year to become effective charity leaders. Michelle is in high demand as a consultant, mentor and trainer, and is a governor of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Themes Board Recruitment Boardroom Chair Chairs
