Community

Be part of our community of chairs and trustees.

It can be lonely at the top.

Chairs tell us time and again that chairing is a role which can be isolating and lonely. We know that chairs and trustees can often face stressful situations in their volunteer roles.

Joining the Association of Chairs means becoming part of a supportive, collaborative community of chairs, vice-chairs, co-chairs, former chairs and aspiring chairs, and trustees.

Together, we can share, support, learn and develop.

Chairing and trusteeship can be a heavy responsibility. Don’t shoulder it alone.

Join our community today

Get support and guidance

Chairing can be challenging. Whatever issues you are facing, we or someone we know will have faced something similar, or will know where you can go for guidance.

Use our Chairs in Need service to access extra support and guidance, from peer support, mentors, and consultants.

Get help from Chairs in Need

Connect with other chairs and trustees

We’ve got a busy programme of events, webinars, and networking groups where members and non-members can come together to learn about specific topics or have more informal discussions. We have chair-only and trustee-only events and spaces, as well as events and networking for all board members.

For chairs

We have a busy and supportive WhatsApp group of over 300 chairs who share insights and encourage each other.
Our online peer sessions are an opportunity to come together with other chairs to discuss chairing challenges and give and get support and suggestions.
Our in-person peer sessions are a great way to build your peer network of chairs, chat about governance issues, and seek insights from others about your chairing role.

For trustees

Our online peer sessions are a regular chance to connect with other trustees, share your experiences and learn from those who may be facing similar challenges and opportunities to you.
Our in-person trustee events offer a safe and supportive space to make connections and learn from others while discussing various aspects of trusteeship and governance.

For all board members

We have regular informal webinars where chairs and trustees come together to discuss a variety of topics. In the past year we have had webinars on risk, AI, cyber security, building a diverse and inclusive board, managing progressive activists, and fundraising for boards.

There are often events in the year to network with other members. In 2025 we held regional events in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle, Manchester, and London.

Browse all our events, peer sessions, and webinars

What our
members say.

Peer support and mentoring for London chairs

Thanks to funding from London funder City Bridge Foundation, the Association of Chairs is able to provide extra support for London chairs and vice-chairs in the form of regular peer group sessions and a co-mentoring scheme. We intend to roll out this type of support across the UK as more funding allows. For now, if you chair a charity serving Londoners, or you are a chair or vice-chair based in London, we strongly encourage you to get involved! Visit our London chairs support page.