The application round for the Being The CEO programme 2026/27 is open. This longstanding programme has been accessed by well over one hundred leaders since 2019, and is highly regarded.
The programme is based on the seminal book and framework, Being The CEO, written by Michael Pain. It also builds of the thinking of Michael and Sir Steve Lancashire through the Being The CEO toolkit, and a range of wider resources produced in partnership with specialist experts on different facets of the role.
‘‘ This has been the most amazing learning experience. Not only that, but it has grown my confidence, clarity, and understanding whilst learning from the very best in the sector. Would absolutely recommend. ’’
Beryce Nixon OBE CEO, Exceed Learning Partnership
As we consider applications from those looking to be part of this next (fourteenth) cohort, here is what’s new, and what remains the same heading into September…
What’s involved in 2026/27?… evolution and refinement
- Four half-day ‘one to one’ ‘reflect with the experts’ reflective practice sessions – including with Prof. Toby Salt (on shaping your leadership narrative); David Horn (on the ‘thriving trusts’ framework); Jonny Uttley (on developing an impactful employer of choice strategy); and Katie Whirledge (on communications and media strategy)’
- Six mentoring sessions grounded in the extensive Being The CEO toolkit, and wider programmer resources.
- A programme built on the acclaimed Being The CEO framework, developed by Michael Pain in his book, Being The CEO, and endorsed and adopted by the National Governance Association as underpinning their template trust CEO job description;
- Exceptional learning environments and content, including high quality residentials and seminars with leading thinkers and authors from a wide range of sectors on areas such as governance, executive team development, improvement at scale, change management; operational excellence, and system leadership. Two of our residentials are held at Kilworth House, in Leicestershire.
- Carefully designed and focused reflective peer group sessions for sharing experiences, practice, and ideas – with reference to sector-leading thinking;
- A range of books, articles, video resources, and self-reflection tools – all curated by Michael and Sir Steve, and designed to accelerate your preparation for the CEO role;
- An improvement at scale study day – based on the 7 pillars of improvement at scale – at an established trust with longstanding leadership over time .
- Opportunity to remain part of the Being The CEO alumni group, which meets in Nottingham ahead of the National #TrustLeaders CEO Conference in September
‘‘ Such a brilliant course by Forum Strategy. I am so grateful to have been part of it, to have learnt so much and to have met such inspiring people. “
Catherine Stalham, CEO, South Essex Academy Trust
2026/27 Being The CEO Programme – Residential & Session Dates
- Residential; Shaping your leadership narrative and what it means to ‘be the CEO’. 30th September / 1st October 2026
- Online Residential; Building an effective relationship with your board. Shaping your senior executive team and an employer of choice culture. 4th/5th November 2026
- Study visit – enabling improvement at scale. 19th November 2026
- Residential; Creating the culture and capacity for organisational sustainability and viability. Building effective external partnerships for success. 3rd/4th February 2027
- Supported by a range of complimentary peer-led ‘CEO small group sessions’ underpinned by high quality materials and guidance. These are arranged at peer groups mutual convenience with support from Forum Strategy.
‘‘ Completing the Being The CEO programme was the most impactful professional development experience I’ve undertaken. ’’
Toni Ellis, CEO, St Gabriel The Archangel Academy Trust
Our contributors
Together with Michael and Sir Steve’s input and influence, the programme includes expert half day sessions for each participant with four leading experts.
Prof. Toby Salt, former CEO of AQA and Ormiston Academies, and former head of the Innovation Unit
Katie Whirledge, longstanding communication and media adviser to CEOs. Managing Director of Pappilon Communications
Jonny Uttley, former CEO and co-author of ‘Putting Staff First’. Adviser to organisations on culture and employer of choice strategy
Our brochure
Take a look at our brochure: BeingTheCEO-flyer-2026.pdf
The programme continues to be at the cutting-edge, drawing on evolving and emerging practice and thought-leadership, whilst remaining aligned with long established and highly credible frameworks and resources developed by Michael, Sir Steve and other Forum Strategy associates over a decade plus.
The fee for the programme is £7950 plus VAT; with members of Forum Strategy’s national #TrustLeaders network receiving a 10% fee reduction. Those who are non-members will receive membership for the duration of the network programme (August to February).
To apply, please complete the following form:
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