What is the role of the chair during a meeting?

The role of the chair during a meeting is fundamentally about facilitating the meeting and maintaining order. This involves leading the discussion, ensuring that all members have an opportunity to speak, managing the agenda, and guiding the group in following established parliamentary procedures. The chair ensures that the meeting runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing for productive dialogue among participants.

In contrast to other roles, the chair does not simply make decisions unilaterally; decisions should be made collectively by the membership following discussions. While taking minutes is an essential task, it is typically assigned to a secretary rather than the chair. Similarly, proposing new motions is often done by any member of the group, not solely by the chair. The chair's primary focus is to ensure that all voices are heard and that the meeting adheres to its procedural framework, fostering a respectful and orderly environment for deliberation.