Slides used by Grace Smith, trainer at DSC, at the ‘Locally trusted organisations and Big Local partnerships’ learning and networking event. The event took place on Friday 25 November 2016.

1. Organising, chairing and facilitating
meetings
Grace Smith, DSC Associate Trainer

2. Objectives of the session
Participants will
• understand their role and responsibilities
as committee members
• share knowledge and experience of good
practice
• be equipped participate effectively

3. We’re having a meeting tonight.
What could possibly go wrong???
“That went well.”

4. The Chair’s role
• To set the agenda (with secretary)
• To ensure meetings run effectively
• To make sure all business is covered
• To make sure everyone knows WHAT
needs to be decided and WHO will take
action
• To see that everyone has a chance to
speak
• To distribute tasks fairly and evenly

5. Group exercise
Group 1
• What are the
responsibilities of an
effective Chair?
• What qualities and
skills are needed?
Group 2
• What are the
responsibilities of an
effective participant?
• What qualities and
skills are needed?

6. Agendas and minutes
• What items would you expect to see on an
Agenda?
• What is the purpose of minutes?
• What would you expect to see included?
Let’s write up the minutes for the Albert
Square Residents’ Association.

7. ……and finally
• Be aware of others. Some people need
encouragement to reach their potential
• Try to meet in a pleasant, welcoming venue (with
adequate heating!)
• Circulate papers with back-up reports etc in good
time.
• Encourage people to arrive in good time

8. • Refreshments help to break the ice and a short
break mid-way can re-focus the group
• Try not to have more than 1 ‘big’ item on each
agenda
• Respect different points of view
• Try to keep to the subject
• START AND FINISH ON TIME!

9. Your Trainer today was Grace Smith. DSC Associate Trainer
For further information about DSC Training please contact
Cathy Shimmin, Senior Training Manager
Directory of Social Change
07967 027304
cshimmin@dsc.org.uk
www.dsc.org.uk
An Independent voluntary sector at the heart of social change