Stepping into the chair toolkit

Moving from director to chair is a significant shift. This Stepping into the chair toolkit is a practical set of resources for first-time chairs, designed to support the first six to 12 months in the role,  whether stepping up from within a board or joining a new board as chair.

The resources are built around four transition themes: Shift – understand what changes; Set – establish focus, expectations and boundaries; Strengthen – build relationships, board dynamics and constructive challenge; and Sustain – support board performance, chair effectiveness and succession.

Start with the How to use the Stepping into the Chair resource, then explore:

• Transition guide – what changes when moving from director to chair
• First 180 days as chair – a practical transition plan for the first six months, with actions, milestones and reflections
• Chair–CEO relationship guide – navigating trust, support, challenge and governance boundaries
• Chair moves – practical prompts and techniques for common boardroom situations
• Thought starter video – hear from various chairs about their experience and reflections

Use the resources together, individually as they issues arise, or alongside an outgoing chair, deputy chair, mentor or formal induction process.