Charity CEOs explore how to build stronger, more effective boards

On Tuesday 23 June, charity CEOs came together at Stephen’s Green Club for an event focused on building better boards and strengthening the relationship between CEOs and trustees.

Facilitated by governance specialist Gerry Egan, the confidential session provided space for open peer discussion. CEOs shared practical experiences of working with boards and explored how clearer communication, better planning and more intentional board recruitment can support stronger governance and decision making.

A key theme was the importance of helping boards focus on the right work. Participants discussed the value of moving beyond overly detailed reporting and retrospective updates, instead structuring board meetings around strategic decisions, forward-looking discussion and the issues most likely to affect organisational impact.

The discussion also highlighted practical steps CEOs can take to support more effective board engagement, including inviting questions in advance, putting key decisions first on the agenda, using workplans to manage board business, and ensuring there are no surprises for trustees. Participants also reflected on the importance of proactive subcommittee planning and regular relationship-building between meetings.

Risk was another important focus. The session encouraged CEOs to think about risk registers not as a compliance exercise, but as tools to help boards reduce the real risks facing the organisation, including risks that could derail strategy delivery.

CEOs also explored what it takes to build the board an organisation needs for the future. Topics included board conduct, clearer expectations, term limits, succession planning, diversity and lived experience, skills analysis, and the balance between continuity and renewal. Participants discussed the value of combining personal approaches with open recruitment, being clear about responsibilities, and using external contributors as a potential pipeline for future board talent.

The session closed with a strong emphasis on intentionality: building effective boards takes continuous induction, open feedback, clear boundaries and a shared understanding of what board members are there to give, get and learn.

Thank you to Gerry Egan for facilitating such a practical and thoughtful discussion, and to all participating CEOs for sharing their insights so openly.

View photos from the event by clicking here.