Role of Chair for MC and GM

Agendas will have been produced and circulated with the assistance of the secretary. MC Reps will arrive knowing what is to be discussed and with sufficient background information to make relevant contributions. If appropriate, they will have consulted with people they represent and discussed any pertinent issues. MCs are held on the last Wednesday of the month and GMs are arranged by the GM chair with the help of the secretary and the MC.

• The chair controls the meeting.
• All remarks are addressed through the chair.
• Members do not interrupt each other.
• Members aim to reach a consensus.
• A vote is taken if consensus is not reached.
• The majority wins the vote.
• All members accept the majority decision.

When discussion is underway, it is the chairperson’s responsibility to ensure that it continues to flow smoothly by involving all members present and by not permitting one or two people to dominate the meeting. Summarising by the chairperson during meetings can:

• Indicate progress, or lack of.
• Refocus discussion that has wandered off the point.
• Conclude one point and lead into the next.
• Highlight important points.
• Assist the secretary if necessary.
• Clarify any misunderstanding.
• The chairperson should pace the meeting, ensuring it runs to time.

If the planning has been properly executed, this should not prove to be a problem.At the end of a meeting, the chairperson should remind members what they have achieved and thank them for their contributions.