Addressing problems with your chair

Assessing the situation

Before you decide to take any action, take some time to find out how serious the situation is. Start by asking yourself:

• Is the problematic behaviour constant or is it an isolated problem?
• Does the behaviour have a major impact on how the board functions?
• Is the chair behaving intentionally?
• Do your fellow governors agree that this is a problem?

Where the issue is minor, consider whether the problem warrants any action at all. In cases where the impact is minimal or where the other governors disagree that a problem exists, exercising tolerance might be the wiser choice. In cases like these, taking action might make the relationship worse.

Informal first steps

If the chair's behaviour is actually having a negative effect on the board's function or governors' morale, then consider starting with some informal steps. 

Your first step should be speaking directly with the chair