Co-design and delivery of a training programme for Chief Financial Officers

A contract was awarded to an established provider of training and development for senior finance managers, with a national reputation for excellence. This contract was to co-design, develop and deliver a professional development programme for Directors of Finance (or Chief Financial Officers) in the education and training sector, supporting them to contribute more effectively to the strategic future of their organisation. Recommendations arising from the government initiated Area Review process included proposals for collaborative working between colleges, arrangements for Federations, type A and type B mergers. New appointments to the role, whether from the sector or from outside, need to understand the complexities of college structures, ambitions and relationships with stakeholders, partner organisations and statutory bodies if they are to ensure that the college has strong financial health, be resilient to shocks and sustainable in the future. A mix of residential, online resources, face to face, structured peer collaboration/review and mentoring form the basis of the programme, which has a degree of individualisation.