A well chaired meeting can ensure trustees leave feeling empowered and positive - even if some decisions are difficult.  Read our tips to help charity trustees make the most of the precious time spent in meetings.

Preparation

• Focus on decisions that must be made
  Spot possible sticking points and have a strategy ready for dealing with these; Be clear as to what is required of trustees.

• Full understand agenda items
  Discuss any necessary areas with the CEO or finance officer in advance. 

• Consider feedback received
  Gauge the likely sentiment of the meeting.

• Allocate time appropriately and proportionately to each agenda item

During the meeting

• Introduce agenda items succinctly
  Ensure any interests are declared and dealt with appropriately.

• Invite comments
  Focus attention on key elements and decisions required.

• Give everyone the right to be heard

• Conclude on each agenda items
  If a decision is required, ensure that each resolution is voted on and the vote is unambiguous.

• Develop strategies to keep track and on time
  If trustees deviate from the agenda, remind them of the topic under discussion politely but firmly and, if necessary, intervene.

• Use breaks to refocus
  If the meeting is heated or going round in circles, consider adjourning for a break to refocus matters. 

• Conduct a meeting review
  Reflect on the effectiveness of the meeting and participants – this will be useful for future meetings and also in undertaking board and trustee appraisals.