Training: Essential co-op chairperson – July 2026

About the training

An effective chair can play a pivotal role in the success of a co-operative, helping to enhance its governance, providing strategic direction and overseeing the management of the co-operative’s senior executives.

This training will cover the role of chair, what you can be expected to do and how to ensure you're delivering the role effectively. This interactive and practical session will cover elements of influencing boardroom dynamics, facilitating effective decision making processes and how to encourage productive participation from your director.

Format

• This training course will take place online for 2.5 hours
• A presentation will be delivered, followed by a Q&A session
• A break will be incorporated within the training course

What attendees will learn

• The role and responsibilities of a chair person
• What an effective chair looks like and the skills needed to successfully carry out the role
• The appointment process and lines of accountability
• The importance of thorough preparation, effective meeting leadership, and timely follow‑up on post‑meeting actions

Who should attend

• If you have recently been appointed as a chairperson
• You are thinking about taking on the role of a chairperson
• You want a refresher – even for more experienced chairs

How much does it cost?

• £75 + VAT for members of Co-operatives UK
• £110+ VAT for non-members. Co-operatives UK members receive 30% off all paid events – plus LOTS more benefits. Learn about Co-operatives UK membership
• £95 + VAT for individual supporters of Co-operatives UK. Learn more about becoming an Individual Supporter of Co-operatives UK

NOTE: We must receive payment in advance of the training taking place. We have the right to withhold joining instructions and/or the recording unless payment is received in advance of the training course taking place.

Maximum places per organisation

Our standard training courses can take a maximum of FOUR people from any one organisation. You will be unable to book on more than four places. 

If you have five or more people interested in one course, we highly recommend our competitively priced bespoke in-house training course. This can be tailor the course content to suit the needs of your organisation’s size and model. Please get in touch with our Advice Team at [email protected] to get a quote and date availability from our trainers.

About the trainer

Dane Pollard works in our Advice Team and is the first point of contact for all governance and legal enquiries. He specialises in providing advice and guidance to new start co-operatives and mutuals looking to incorporate and supports all types of co-ops with their governance arrangements, processes and policies.

Dane also acts as account manager to members that have set up in the last two years and provides guidance to them on all aspects of their governance calendar. He has many years of experience dealing with customers in the retail sector, as well as clients in the corporate world.

Recording the training

This training course will be recorded and shared with training participants afterwards. The recording will be available for one month after the training date. If you are unable to attend on the stated date, you can still book on to receive the recording link.

Cancellations policy

Any cancellations made within 28 days are subject to full payment with no refund. 

Name swaps and deferrals can be made free of charge until the day of the event. Please contact us via [email protected] to discuss.

Payment MUST be received before the training takes place. We reserve the right to withhold joining instructions until payment is received.