LEAD Programme for CFO/Section 151 officers

Applications for registration/bursaries received prior to 30 May 2025 will receive 5% early bird discount.

Bursaries are also available for delegates from eligible local authorities. See below for more details.*

Book now

Please note that when you register you will be asked to complete a data capture form in which you agree for CIPFA to share with LGA and/or UK Government the details of your booking.

To book please complete the registration and bursary CFO/S151 application form

Applications for bursaries close Friday 26 July. Decisions on bursary applications will be delivered by Friday 1 August. 

Programme

Course dates and locations are indicative and are subject to change.

• Module one: Introduction and overview of the programme – September 2025 (Virtual - One hour online)
  
• Module two: Self-assessment CFO skills and competency model – November 2025 (Virtual - Approx. one hour online self-assessment)
  
• Module three: Golden Triangle & relationships – December 2025 (London or Birmingham - Full day)
  
• Module four: Situational analysis and working in a complex political environment – February 2026 (Manchester - Overnight stay)
  
• Module five: Developing the finance professional community – April 2026 (London – Half day)
  
• Module six: Knowing the rules and personal resilience – May 2026 – (Birmingham - Full day)
  
• Module seven: Managing stakeholders – June 2022 (London - Half day)
  
• Module eight: Reflective activities and programme closure – July 2026 (Liverpool - Overnight stay)

About the course

This course has been developed by CIPFA exclusively for senior finance professionals working in English local authorities.

The CFO is one of the most critical roles within a local authority, but the responsibilities are becoming more complex and unforgiving in an uncertain and financially turbulent world. However, the role has a number of dimensions that make it ever-more interesting and rewarding. Local Government is increasingly looking to CFOs to offer more innovative and transformative solutions to a range of key issues faced by the sector.

Having demonstrated their potential to reach this level, CFOs should continue to develop their skills and competencies within a challenging work environment. This programme will enable participating CFOs to devote quality time to think about their future development needs and to develop their strategic leadership skills.

Our CFO LEAD (Leadership, Exploration, Accelerated Development) Programme has been developed to empower CFOs with the strategic mindset, leadership acumen, and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of being the most senior finance leader in their organisation.

What the course covers

The programme comprises eight modules delivered across a 10-month programme. Some of the modules will provide a helpful intersection between the CFO, the CEO and the Monitoring Officer to enable further analysis of the closer working required by the three key statutory officers through the roles they play within the ‘Golden Triangle’.

Modules are a mix of one day, half day, overnight and virtual sessions.

What's included?

Where a module is delivered across two days (overnight stay), one night’s accommodation will be arranged by CIPFA, where a delegate isn’t within reasonable travel distance, and covered in the cost of the registration fee, along with lunch and dinner. Any accommodation required outside of the stipulated dates (e.g. night before required due to travel) will need to be arranged and covered by the delegate.

Travel to and from locations will be at the delegate’s own expense.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, delegates will:

• Have completed a self-assessment against CIPFA’s specially designed CFO Competency Model. This will help delegates to identify what they have accomplished in key skills/competency areas, focus on where they may need further help, and start to plan or implement development activities.
• Learn how to develop and enhance their strategic leadership contribution and value to what is becoming a more complex and ambiguous operating environment.
  Understand how to leverage their own leadership strengths with key stakeholders ie, golden triangle members, politicians, partners, fellow members of the senior management team, staff members.
• Be better equipped to work within a complex political environment.
• Better understand the interrelationship and group dynamics of the three statutory roles making up the ‘golden triangle’: the Chief Executive, S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.
• Strengthen their role in the governance and assurance of their local authority and in keeping it safe.
• Be better equipped to deal with difficult and complex situations through situational analysis work and reflective activities.
• Have a good understanding of the rules, procedures and key regulations required of them in discharging their statutory duties.
• Gain a better understanding of their impact as the head of the finance profession within their organisation, and how they can better support their team and those around them where finance may not be their professional skillset.
• Have developed a wider network of people within their professional community that can be called upon for support as required. 

Key features

• Expert-led sessions: Learn from a range of seasoned industry experts from across public life, renowned academics, and successful CFOs who bring real-world insights and experiences to the table.
• Interactive workshops: Engage in hands-on workshops, simulations designed to reinforce learning and foster critical thinking.
• Peer learning: Network with a cohort of like-minded finance professionals from across local government, share best practices, and gain valuable perspectives from diverse industry backgrounds and at the same time, extend the reach of your personal network.
• Testing ideas and learning: Apply theoretical knowledge and new approaches to problem solving including the challenges faced when working in the Golden Triangle dynamic. Taking real-world scenarios and exploring these with colleagues in a safe learning environment whilst exploring the immediate relevance and impact in your professional role. Explore your role within the construct of the Golden Triangle with your CEO and Monitoring Officer to enable this core group of statutory officers to work more effectively, continuing to deliver value to their local authority.
• Access to resources: Gain access to a library of resources, tools, and templates to support ongoing learning and professional development.

Who is the course aimed at?

Delegates must be a serving CFO/Section 151 officer or Deputy of a local authority.

We welcome delegates who are both newly appointed and those that are more experienced.

Price

£2,950 excluding VAT.

CIPFA members are eligible for 10% discount.*

Early bird 5% discount up to 30 May 2025. This will apply in addition to any CIPFA discount or bursary applied.

Bursary Information

CIPFA will offer a small number of bursaries dependent on need, Bursaries will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, pending bursary application review, to eligible delegates and will be for up to 50% of the total price.

A small number of bursaries will be considered from the smaller councils (mainly districts) where the council is in financial distress (eg, the council could be in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support from Government); where the council has published a halt to all training over the last two years and also where the applicant can demonstrate that attending the programme will significantly improve their chances of development.

CPD hours

This course carries 56 CPD hours. All CIPFA training counts towards your continuing professional development (CPD).

If you are a CIPFA Chartered Member, you are required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of relevant CPD activity each year as part of maintaining your professional competence and to develop skills and knowledge.