Support for CFOs

With a significant rise in CFO vacancies and a limited pool of sector-experienced candidates, FE Associates is proud to offer a tailored support package designed to help newly appointed CFOs – including those joining from outside the FE sector and internal candidates stepping up into this strategic role – succeed from day one. Overseen by FEA Non-Exective Director and highly experienced sector CEO Graham Razey OBE, our support programme is designed to build knowledge, skills and confidence, based on the individual needs of your new CFO.

Our Two-Part Support Programme Solution:

1. Intensive Personalised Induction Programme

• Two-day* immersive induction experience led by an experienced senior FE professional.
• Content dependent on the specific learning and development needs of the individual covering technical elements or leadership and strategy elements of the CFO role.
• Develops a personalised roadmap for ongoing learning and development for your new CFO.

*The two-day induction may be delivered in two whole days or based on 12 hours of support delivered over a more extended period.

2. Professional Mentoring Support

• Monthly on-line mentoring sessions to track progress and provide learning and leadership development support.
• Access to remote telephone support for technical advice and guidance.
• Ongoing guidance to build confidence and ensure a smooth transition into the CFO role.

The content of the immersive induction programme is built around the needs of the individual. For new to sector CFOs content may include FE funding and finance essentials, risk, reporting, governance, regulatory requirements including Managing Public Money, data and compliance, internal financial controls.

For internal candidates stepping up into the CFO role content may be built around strategic financial leadership, working beyond the finance brief, winning the confidence of the Board, working with the CEO, working with stakeholders, leading across the organisation.

Ongoing mentoring support is tailored to the needs of individuals and linked to the personal development plan for your new CFO.

• Two-day* immersive induction experience led by an experienced senior FE professional

*The two-day induction may be delivered in two whole days or based on 12 hours of support delivered over a more extended period.

2-day immersive induction experience – £1,600* + VAT for clients who engaged FEA to recruit your new CFO or £2,200* + VAT for colleges who have not engaged with FEA on CFO recruitment.

Mentoring support is costed according to the needs of the individual and within an envelope agreed with the organisation. The hourly rate for mentoring is £225 + VAT. Mentoring is conducted remotely online.

*Where support is provided onsite travel and accommodation expenses may be charged.

Graham Razey OBE

A respected leader in the Further Education sector and former Chief Executive Officer of East Kent Colleges Group (EKC), Graham now sits on the Board of FE Associates. Alongside his role as a CEO Graham was one of the FE Commissioner’s National Leaders and supported a number of college leaders with core aspects of organisational effectiveness including planning, budgeting, operational improvement and risk management. He has served on the Department for Education’s Principals’ Reference Group and was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his services to education.