TRAINING & CONSULTANCY

#BeingTheCEO Programme

The #BeingTheCEO Programme 2026

with Sir Steve Lancashire and Michael Pain

#BeingTheCEO is a truly independent programme for aspirant and serving CEOs who are keen to further their development for and understanding of the CEO role.

 

A longstanding (since 2019), acclaimed and pioneering CEO programme led by authors and leading thinkers on the role, who have also led successful organisations over a decade or more.

We are delighted to confirm the next cohort of the acclaimed #BeingTheCEO programme, a programme for aspirant and serving CEOs who are keen to further their development for and understanding of the CEO role, and find the time and space to reflect, guided by experts. The programme will run for six months from February 2026.

The programme is led by Michael Pain, author of the seminal book, ‘Being The CEO’ and founder of Forum Strategy – a leading national consultancy supporting CEO learning and development; together with Sir Steve Lancashire, one of the country’s most experienced trust Chief Executives, having overseen a trust grow sustainably and successfully to more than sixty schools over the last decade. Previous contributors to the programme have also included Prof. Claudia Nagel, Dr. Peter Homa, and leading governance expert and author Patrick Dunne. Executive coaches include Prof. Toby Salt and others. The framework and template job description upon which the programme is based has been endorsed by the National Governance Association in November 2021.

Being The CEO is a truly independent programme, based on the input of leading thinkers and CEOs in the third-, business, and education sectors. The programme includes two residentials; online sessions with experts and peers; a study visit; extensive resources; and coaching and mentoring throughout. Each participant will receive six ‘one to one’ mentoring sessions with Sir Steve.

To apply to be a participant on the programme, please complete the form at the foot of this page. Places are very limited.

The best CPD I’ve ever had as a leader and with such a fantastic group of people.

Gavin Booth

CEO Infinity Trust

A superb course with input from extremely high calibre professionals – I cannot recommend this opportunity highly enough to colleague CEOs.

Jayne Foster

CEO Ethos Trust

I would heartily recommend other CEOs taking part in the ‘Being The CEO’ course.

Nicole Reid

CEO New Wave Federation

It has been the best CPD course I’ve ever been on. Thank you so much. The work you do is so valuable.

Chris Foley

CEO St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust

Programme details

About the programme

Each cohort is strictly limited to a maximum of twelve participants, and the application process involves completing a short application form. Dates involve two residentials in beautiful surroundings in the East Midlands; a study visit; three coaching sessions; six mentoring sessions with Sir Steve Lancashire; and online development sessions with experts and peers. Participants access a range of resources and materials. Topics covered include:

  • Shaping your leadership narrative
  • Building an effective relationship with your governing board; principles of highly effective governance
  • The CEO as chief culture maker and talent officer – becoming an employer of choice in a changing world
  • Leading operations and performance at scale
  • Creating a culture that promotes sustainability and investment
  • Building key external relationship and partnerships

Being The CEO Programme structure

  • Residential; Shaping your leadership narrative and what it means to ‘be the CEO’.
  • Online Residential; Building an effective relationship with your board / shaping your senior executive team and an employer of choice culture.
  • Study visit – enabling improvement at scale.
  • Residential; Creating the culture and capacity for organisational sustainability and viability. Building effective external partnerships for success.
  • Optional small online meeting groups throughout with supporting resources and facilitation notes
  • + 3 ‘one to one’ online executive coaching sessions with one of our team of executive coaches
  • + 6 ‘one to one’ online mentoring sessions with Sir Steve Lancashire
  • A range of independent reading and materials currated by Michael Pain and Sir Steve Lancashire

There are now a very limited number of places still available. Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis, so please apply as soon as possible.

The cost of the programme is £7950.00 plus VAT.
Current members (as of December 2025) of Forum Strategy’s National #TrustLeaders CEO Network receive a 10% reduction.

2026 Being The CEO Programme – Residential & Session Dates

  • Residential; Shaping your leadership narrative and what it means to ‘be the CEO’. 4th/5th March 2026
  • Online Residential; Building an effective relationship with your board / shaping your senior executive team and an employer of choice culture. 12th/13th May 2025
  • Study visit – enabling improvement at scale. 25th June 2025
  • Residential; Creating the culture and capacity for organisational sustainability and viability. Building effective external partnerships for success. 15th/16th July.
  • Supported by a range of complimentary peer-led ‘small group sessions’ underpinned by high quality materials and guidance

About the programme leaders

Resource example – interview with Sir Steve Lancashire on #BeingTheCEO

Michael Pain discusses the book, #BeingTheCEO with education sector leaders

Contributors to our programme resources and materials have included

Patrick Dunne OBE , author of ‘Boards’ and leading corporate governance expert

Prof. Dr. Claudia Nagel, leading coach and international expert on the CEO role

Ifti Majid, a leading NHS CEO and health sector system leader

  Apply to join us on the #BeingTheCEO programme

Complete the form below to be considered for this programme. 


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