Association of Chairs

Overview

The Association of Chairs is the UK's membership association dedicated exclusively to supporting chairs and board members of charities and non-profit organisations. If you hold or aspire to a chair position in the voluntary, charitable or not-for-profit sector, this association exists specifically to address your professional needs, development and challenges. Based in London, the Association of Chairs brings together board leaders across the UK's diverse charity and non-profit landscape to strengthen governance, share expertise and develop the skills needed for effective leadership.

Who Should Join?

The Association of Chairs is relevant to:

• Charity and non-profit chairs — Individuals currently serving as chair or board chair of a registered charity, non-profit organisation, voluntary sector body or equivalent leadership role
• Prospective and newly appointed chairs — People preparing for, newly entering or developing their approach to a chair role
• Board members and trustees — Those who may progress to a chair position or who contribute to governance leadership within the sector
• Chief executives and senior leaders — Individuals working alongside boards and chairs, seeking to understand governance and collaborative leadership
• Organisational leaders in the voluntary sector — Representatives of charities and non-profits who recognise the importance of strong board governance

There is no widely publicised formal barrier to membership, though the association is structured around serving those active in or preparing for charity and non-profit governance roles.

Why Join?

Being a chair of a charity or non-profit is a substantial responsibility. Many chairs report feeling isolated in their role, uncertain about best practice, or challenged by the specific governance, compliance and leadership issues that affect the voluntary sector. The Association of Chairs addresses these challenges directly.

Membership provides access to a community of fellow chairs facing similar issues, a reliable source of practical guidance on charity governance, support for developing your leadership effectiveness, and opportunities to learn from experienced peers. Rather than navigating governance challenges alone, members can draw on collective sector knowledge and established professional support.

For organisations, supporting a chair's membership demonstrates commitment to good governance and continuous development of leadership. It signals that the charity or non-profit invests in the skills and networks that drive effective board oversight and strategic direction.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

Membership typically includes:

• Networking and peer communities — Access to fellow charity chairs, enabling peer learning, advice-sharing and the development of supportive relationships within the sector
• Events, training and seminars — Workshops, webinars, conferences and other forums focused on governance, leadership, strategic oversight, compliance and sector-specific challenges
• Professional development — Resources, guidance and training to develop chair skills, including board effectiveness, stakeholder management, fundraising oversight, risk management and governance compliance
• Specialist knowledge and publications — Access to guidance, toolkits, best practice resources and thought leadership on charity and non-profit governance
• Advice and support — Guidance on governance matters, board development and the practical challenges of leading a charity or non-profit
• Sector representation — Involvement in an association that advocates for the interests and needs of charity and non-profit boards

For specific details of current membership benefits and joining options, visit the Association of Chairs website or contact the organisation directly.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The Association of Chairs occupies a significant position within the UK charity and non-profit sector. As the only membership association dedicated specifically to supporting chairs, it addresses a distinct and important gap in professional support for board leadership in the voluntary sector.

The association's role extends beyond individual member support to include promoting and developing standards of good governance, contributing to conversations about effective board leadership, and raising the profile of charity governance within the broader landscape. Membership connects individual chairs to this collective activity — signalling professional commitment to governance excellence and placing them within an established community focused on strengthening the voluntary sector's leadership.

In a sector where governance quality directly affects organisational effectiveness and public trust, the Association of Chairs provides chairs with the resources, networks and development opportunities needed to lead effectively and confidently.

Contact and Location

Association of Chairs
Canopi
82 Tanner Street
London, SE1 3GN
UK

Visit the Association of Chairs website