Role of chairman

 

Overall responsibility

The chairman is a part-time director responsible for leadership of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role and setting the agenda. Crucial responsibilities include:

• Ensuring a constructive and close working relationship with the chief executive
• Joint development, with the chief executive and subject to Board approval, of the company’s strategy
• Oversight of strategy implementation and performance delivery through regular dialogue with the chief executive and other members of the executive team
• Remaining aware and closely in touch with the company in relation to key strategic and performance issues to ensure effective leadership of the Board.

Leadership

• Leading the Board and setting its overall agenda.
• Ensuring its effectiveness, performance and evaluation, and that its constitution is appropriate for the needs of the business.
• Developing and overseeing the implementation of the company’s strategy with the chief executive and in conjunction with the Board.

Running the Board

• Ensuring the agenda is forward looking and focused on strategic matters.
• Making sure enough time is given to important or critical issues at Board meetings.
• Making sure that members receive timely, accurate and clear information to enable the Board to take sound decisions, monitor effectively and provide appropriate advice to promote the success of the company.
• Facilitating effective contribution from all members.

Communication

• Ensuring effective communication with shareholders.
• Ensuring the views of shareholders are communicated to, and understood by, the Board
• Promoting constructive and effective relations between executive and non-executive directors.
• Representing the company to the outside world.

Development and evaluation

• Assessing the performance of the chief executive.
• Overseeing comprehensive and tailored induction programmes for new directors.
• Addressing the development needs of the Board as a whole and individually to ensure team and individual effectiveness.
• Chairing the nomination committee and ensuring that succession planning for key roles is regularly considered.
• Conducting the annual performance evaluation of individual Board members and committees.

Corporate governance and ethics

• Upholding and promoting high standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance.