A study has attempted to determine the factors in creating a good relationship between the chair and chief executive in a charity, and indeed what might lead to an eventual break up.

Based on advice from 70 successful chairs and chief executives in the not-for-profit sector, the study outlines four pillars that can help establish a strong working relationship, to steer an organisation towards success. These are:

• Governance – there can be no meaningful relationship between a chair and chief executive if the governance to define the respective roles and responsibilities is not in place. What is often ascribed to be a poor relationship, is often, in fact an absence of strong governance.
• Mutual trust, shared values and recognising role boundaries to work in tandem– this includes alignment of personal and organisational values, appreciating the need to be mentor, challenger, supporter and catalyst for ideas
• Challenge yours and others’ assumptions - – unstated expectations, a fear of asking the obvious, and blind belief that relationships will just work out might signal trouble ahead
• Leaving ego at the door – while there is no clear and accepted rule about who is in charge of the relationship, mutual respect and a clear framework for roles will establish the Chair’s role in leading the conversation and the Chief Executive’s in making it work

Juliet Taylor, Partner at GatenbySanderson, the study sponsor, commented: “While many senior leaders are quick to acknowledge the importance of the relationship, not all carve out the time to really nurture a strong working bond. It can be easy for both parties to get stuck in the ‘day-to-day’ or dealing with issues as they arise. But time, effort and good governance practices, are the key for leaders to establish a resilient alliance that can so often be the difference between success and failure.”

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