Arts Council England publishes guidance by Fiona Allan to help cultural organisations build effective chair and chief executive working relationships.
Arts Council England has published guidance to support working relationships between chairs and chief executives across the arts and cultural sector.
Developed by Fiona Allan in partnership with Clore Leadership and the Cultural Governance Alliance, the guide offers practical advice, resources and templates to help organisations build effective governance, clarify roles and create conditions for productive leadership.
Allan is chief executive of Opera Australia and previously spent 18 years in senior artistic and executive leadership roles in the UK, including as artistic director and chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome.
The guidance was commissioned in response to sector calls for support in building effective chair and chief executive relationships. It is available for organisations of all sizes to use and adapt.
“For too long, we have treated the Chair–Chief Executive dynamic as a private matter between two individuals. This guidance moves the conversation on, reminding us that the whole board holds collective responsibility for creating the conditions in which that leadership partnership can thrive”, said Allan.
Mags Patten, executive director lead for workforce and leadership at Arts Council England added: “Like all relationships, the one between a Chair and CEO needs care and attention. Fiona’s done a terrific job of articulating this in a simple, straightforward way. We’re grateful to Fiona, and all the sector leaders who worked with her, helping make the guidance relevant and useful.”
Clore Leadership will run a workshop on 16 April 2026 at Hackney Empire to explore chair and chief executive relationships.
Hilary Carty OBE, executive director of Clore Leadership said the relationship between the Chair and CEO is “dynamic and crucial”.
“When it works well, organisations can thrive. But, without attention and nurturing, blurred responsibilities and strategic drift can quickly emerge.
“Getting the Chair/CEO relationship right requires an investment of time, judgement and care to build best practice… well worth the positive impact for the organisation as a whole.”
The practical guide is available on the Arts Council website here
