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. 

“The programme gave me the confidence that I do have the skills and ability to Chair a Board and also galvanised me to advocate for Co-Chairing as a more inclusive option for disabled Board members like me. It was useful to meet other Chairs and Board members and hear about their experiences of different routes into Chair positions .”

Dr Tilly Branson, Director, dramaturg, theatre-maker and producer

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  

“Although I have been a Trustee for many years, with several charities, completing the Emerging Chairs Programme made me feel better equipped and confident in applying for my first Chair role. Cause4 has helped me to be an effective Chair from day one. Thank you.”

Anthony Blackman, Transforming Autism Project

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.  

Programme Costs 

Tickets cost £85 + VAT plus processing fees.

If you wish to receive Institute of Leadership & Management Certification, the additional cost is £60 (excluding fees and VAT). If you wish to receive this certificate, please pay for it here.

If you have any other questions, please also email trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk.

Bursary Support

We are delighted to announce that we are introducing a bursary scheme for our Emerging Chairs Programme. Bursary places are available to anyone who is from a background currently underrepresented in governance, or who is unable to afford a full price place. 

We know there are many reasons why increasing diversity on boards is important, and we are committed to doing our part to support this change. We have developed two strands to this new offer:

-If you’d like to support us with our commitment to increasing representation, you can choose to add an extra £10 when booking to help us to offer even more places to those who would not otherwise be able to attend our training.

-If you’d like to be in receipt of a bursary place, you can get in touch with us we will ask you to submit a short expression of interest form. If you meet our requirements above, our bursary offer will reduce the price of a ticket to £10+VAT. 

To find out more about how to apply and our social impact please get in touch with the team on trusteeleadership@cause4.co.uk 

Refund Policy

Full refunds (minus Eventbrite booking fees) are available up to 14 days before a course start date.

If a refund is requested 7-14 days before a course start date, a 50% refund is available.

Refunds cannot be processed if the request is less than 7 days before a course start date, although participants can transfer their place onto any of our other courses (provided there is space).

Participants can request to transfer their place to another course at any time.

Still have questions? You can see the full list of FAQs here.