Loss of non-verbal cues

First, there can indeed be technical challenges! Hybrid board meetings can be challenging to manage from a technical perspective. This is because it is important to ensure that all participants can see and hear each other clearly, and that the video conferencing system is working properly Some systems are definitely better than others, but there may be cost implications to consider in addressing this. Equally, some rooms are more suitable than others for conducting a hybrid meeting. In any case, there is certainly a greater reliance on both the system and the technical support than in traditional in-person meetings.

Charing a hybrid meeting is a different skill to a traditional meeting. Someone needs to be constantly scanning both the screen and the room in order to ensure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. There is a role there for the Clerk as well as the Chair and they will need to work closely together (and probably sit next to each other) to make it work well.

Loss of non-verbal cues is a significant downside reported by some participants in hybrid meetings. Remote participants may well miss out on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. This can make it difficult to understand the tone of a conversation and to build rapport with other board members. The feelings in the room are much harder to read and, whilst occasionally this can be a benefit, there is also a risk of missing out on key elements of non-verbal communication.

Research shows that a very high proportion of human communication is non-verbal.

It can also be difficult to build relationships in a hybrid meeting format. When you are not meeting in person with fellow board members and/or the executive team, it is harder to get to know someone's personality and style. I am hearing more and more that there is a hunger now to get back to in-person meetings because of the team-building and relationship benefits they bring.

Last but not least, whilst they can be very convenient for many, hybrid meetings do not offer the opportunity for all board members to see the school in action, to show their support and interest in staff and pupils and to feed in their observations from these encounters to board discussions. This can make it much harder to answer the key gubernatorial question ‘How do we know?’ and to enable the governing body as a whole to be more visible in the school.

Overall, hybrid board meetings offer a number of advantages and disadvantages, and boards should carefully consider the pros and cons of such meetings before deciding whether to adopt this format –or how frequently to use it.

In addition, it is important to consider the specific needs of your board. For example, if it contains a large number of members who live in different parts of the country or who have busy travel schedules, then a hybrid meeting format may be a good option. However, if your board is small and close-knit, and if your board members can meet in person on a regular basis, then a traditional in-person meeting format may be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to adopt a hybrid meeting format is up to your board itself. By carefully considering the pros and cons of this format, members can make an informed decision that is best for your board and the school it serves. ●

RICHARD HARMAN is Chief Executive of AGBIS.