#BeingTheCEO Programme

The #BeingTheCEO Programme 2024, with Sir Steve Lancashire

We are delighted to confirm the nineth cohort of the #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 January 2024.

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

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

Nicole Reid

CEO, New Wave Federation

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

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

Resources and programme details

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

Prof. Dr. Claudia Nagel

Ifti Majid, an NHS CEO

The 2024 cohort is strictly limited to 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
2024 Being The CEO Programme – Residential & Session Dates
  • Residential; Shaping your leadership narrative and what it means to ‘be the CEO’. 13th/14th March 2024
  • Online Residential; Building an effective relationship with your board / shaping your senior executive team and an employer of choice culture. 16th May 2024
  • Study visit – enabling improvement at scale. 25th June 2024
  • Residential; Creating the culture and capacity for organisational sustainability and viability. Building effective external partnerships for success. 17th/18th July 2024
  • 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

The cost of the programme is £7950.00 plus VAT. Current members (as of the application deadline: 30th November 2023) of Forum Strategy’s national CEO network receive a 10% reduction.

  Apply to join us on the #BeingTheCEO programme

Complete the form below to be considered for this programme.