The person chairing the meetings has the following responsibilities:

• ensures that the meeting starts and finishes on time
• notes who wishes to speak, and indicates when a person may speak
• is responsible for keeping the discussion to the subject
• decides when discussion should be brought to an end
• does not usually get involved in the discussion unless their opinion is sought
• should frequently summarise the issue under discussion, to aid in decision making
• refers items to a working group for a report at the next meeting if it is apparent that a decision cannot be made.

It is also suggested that a Code of Conduct for meetings is established and distributed before the meeting takes place.