Path to Chair with John Allan CBE

If you couldn't join the introductory session, catch up below to learn what will be covered, and whether the programme is right for you.

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​Step up to Chair with confidence

​Becoming a Chair is a significant transition, requiring a shift in mindset, leadership style, and strategic oversight. This new five-part programme from Nurole Plus is designed for experienced board members who are ready to take the next step and want to refine their approach to chairing a board effectively.

​Designed and led by John Allan, CBE, former Chair of Tesco PLC, Barratt Developments, and Imperial College London and President of the CBI. John brings unparalleled insight into what makes a truly effective Chair, drawing on his decades of experience leading some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations. John will lead all sessions and will be joined by other experienced Chairs from different sectors to support some of the sessions.

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​When is this programme?

Five 75-minute sessions on 14th October, 21st October, 28th October, 4th November and a final session on 25th November, all from 17:00 - 18:15 BST/GMT.

Each session is recorded in case you can't make it.

​Who is this programme for?

​This programme is for those who already have at least one NED role and are seriously and realistically considering taking on a Chair position in the near future. Whether you are targeting your first Chair role or preparing to take on more significant Chair responsibilities, this programme will provide the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

​The learning experience

​Each session will feature insights and guidance from John, but this is not just a lecture-style programme. Expect plenty of discussion, break-out rooms, and interactive exercises designed to help you apply key concepts in real-world scenarios. This is an opportunity to engage directly with John and fellow participants, share experiences, and gain practical takeaways that will shape your approach as you step up to Chair. 

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🔹 Session 1: Getting started - helping you secure and prepare for Chair roles effectively.

Tuesday 14th October, 5pm - 6.15pm BST

This will be a hybrid session. You’re warmly invited to join us in person at the Nurole offices in Hammersmith, London, or, if you prefer, to take part online.

• How to be appointed – positioning yourself as a strong candidate.
• Due diligence before taking on a role - what to consider when assessing board dynamics, financial health and any governance issues to look out for.
• Creating the right first impression - establishing credibility from day 1.
• Board mechanics and governance basics – working with the Company Secretary, setting agendas, managing board papers.
• Board composition and the role of the SID (Senior Independent Director) – achieving the best balance of skills and governance requirements.
• Case study and discussion: a Chair’s induction – what went wrong and how should it have been better handled?

🔹 Session 2: The Chair-CEO relationship – equipping you with tools to build a productive, high-trust relationship.

Tuesday 21st October, 5pm - 6.15pm BST

John will be joined by Melissa Bethell for this session

• Defining the Chair-CEO relationship – clarifying roles, common pitfalls, and success factors.
• Striking the right balance – how much involvement is too much?
• Building trust and credibility – establishing influence while maintaining independence.
• Helping the CEO to succeed.
• Handling tough conversations with an underperforming CEO.
• Managing CEO performance & succession – performance reviews, preparing for transition.

🔹 Session 3: Board committees and managing crises - how to run high-performing boards and navigate crises

Tuesday 28th October, 5pm - 6.15pm BST

John will be joined by Richard Aker for this session

• The role of the Chair in board committees – audit, remuneration, nomination, defence, ESG.
• Crisis Management: handling an activist investor, bid approaches, corporate scandals.
• Chairing during a crisis – lessons from real-world situations.
• The role of advisors (legal, PR, financial) – when and how to engage them.

🔹 Session 4: Managing Relationships (internal and external) -  ensuring you strengthen your influence inside and outside the boardroom.

Tuesday 4th November, 5pm - 6.15pm GMT

John will be joined by Alison Platt for this session

• Managing relationships with NEDs and the executive team – fostering collaboration, giving feedback.
• Dos and Don’ts of NED meetings – common mistakes and best practices.
• Handling difficult board dynamics – managing conflicts, disengaged NEDs, dominant voices.
• Developing relationships with the exec team - best practice. 
• Managing a shareholder revolt – how should the Chair respond?
• Navigating regulators, government, and pressure groups – managing external scrutiny.
• Engaging with media and external stakeholders under pressure.
• Board evaluations - what good looks like. 

Note: all four sessions above will be recorded if you can’t make some live. 

🔹 Session 5: Wrap-up and networking

Tuesday 25th November, 5pm - 6.15pm GMT

For those who can make it we will hold an in-person wrap-up session at the end of the programme at Nurole offices, Hammersmith London. It will be a freeflow conversation giving participants a chance to reflect on the programme and network with each other.