Better together
We asked PTA co-chairs to explain why sharing responsibilities works for them
I
n recent years, more and more PTAs have found it diffi cult to get one person to take on the position of chair. Many have solved this
problem by fi nding two or more to share the role and become co-chairs. Appointing co-chairs can be a positive experience for PTAs, with the benefi ts usually outweighing any drawbacks. Co-chairs must work in harmony and trust one another, and clear communication is key. Consider co-chairing if you
don’t have enough time to take on all of the role. If your PTA is large and successful, it may require more commitment than any one person
22 AUTUMN 2020
pta.co.uk
can offer. Busy parents and carers sometimes have to put family fi rst, and periods of limited availability are likely. Having a co-chair buddy provides backup for both parties and can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. If one of you has more time than the other, you might take this into account when discussing how you’re going to divide the tasks. Being PTA chair requires a
variety of skills. Few come to the role with prior knowledge of running a charity, chairing meetings, event planning and people management, which can make the position a daunting prospect. With little time
available in which to acquire new skills, co-chairing enables you to split the tasks according to your talents and experience. It can be lonely at the top.
Many parents feel uncomfortable being the only one and don’t want to shoulder all the responsibility. Meeting the headteacher on your own can feel like being back at school. Many co-chairs fi nd it reassuring to have a sounding board for ideas and planning. Co-chairing is a great way to
test the waters. After a period as co-chair, you may fi nd you have the confi dence and skills to become chair in your own right. Continuity of leadership and a smooth handover benefi t the PTA too. If one co-chair does step down, it’s less daunting
IMAGES: PONOMARIOVA_MARIA; ALEXKAVA/
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