TRAINING & CONSULTANCY
#BeingTheCEO Programme
The #BeingTheCEO Programme 2026/27
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. This is a longstanding and acclaimed 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 leading experts. The programme will run for eight months from July 2026. Please see the form at the foot of this page in order to apply
The programme is led by Michael Pain, author of the seminal book, ‘Being The CEO’ and founder of Forum Strategy – a leading and longstanding 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. Contributors to the programmes have materials have included Prof. Claudia Nagel, Dr. Peter Homa, Ifti Majid, and leading governance expert and author Patrick Dunne. Executive coaches include Professor Toby Salt and a range of experts. The framework and template job description upon which the programme is based has been endorsed by the National Governance Association.
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 reading and resources – including Michael and Sir Steve’s toolkits; and ‘one to one with experts’ half day sessions, 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 by the deadline of 31st May 2026, 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.
Undertaking the Being The CEO programme was the most impactful professional development experience I’ve undertaken.
I would heartily recommend other CEOs taking part in the ‘Being The CEO’ course.
It has been the best CPD course I’ve ever been on. Thank you so much. The work you do is so valuable.
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
- 4 ‘one to one’ online executive coaching sessions with an expert 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 June 2026) of Forum Strategy’s National #TrustLeaders CEO Network receive a 10% reduction.
Residentials, mentoring, CEO peer sessions, and 'one to one with experts' sessions
6 mentoring sessions with Sir Steve Lancashire
All participants receive six 90 minute one to one mentoring sessions with Sir Steve Lancashire, delivered online. Sir Steve guides participants through the framework, reflecting on their own leadership strengths and areas for development, and with reference to the Forum Strategy ‘Being The CEO’ toolkit, developed by Sir Steve and Michael Pain
Our Expert Half Day ‘One to Ones’ for Being The CEO participants
The programme includes a half-day ‘one to one’ session with each of our four programme experts, delivered online.
Prof. Toby Salt – on shaping your leadership narrative; Jonny Uttley – on leading an employer of choice culture and strategy; Katie Whirledge – on forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders; and David Horn – on considering strengths and areas for development against the Thriving Trusts framework.
Prof. Toby Salt
Former CEO of international exam body, AQA, former CEO of a national academy trust, and former Deputy CEO of the National College for School Leadership
Jonny Uttley
Author of ‘Putting Staff First’; Visiting Fellow, Centre for Young Lives; and former academy trust CEO
Katie Whirledge
Managing Director of Papillon Communications, having advised dozens of trust CEOs on public relations and strategic communications
David Horn
Author of ‘Thriving Trusts Thinkpiece One’, co-developer of the Thriving Trusts framework, and former academy trust CEO
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
A programme informed by international experts across a wide range of fields
Resource example – A clip of Mark Gallagher’s input on CEO leadership lessons from Formula 1
Resource example – Patrick Dunne OBE joins us for the #BeingTheCEO podcast and reflects on the board/CEO relationship
Contributors to our programme resources and materials have included
Patrick Dunne OBE , author of ‘Boards’ and leading corporate governance expert
Jonny Uttley – author and former CEO
Ifti Majid, a leading NHS CEO and health sector system leader
Maggie Farrar- author of Leading with Presence
Prof. Dr. Claudia Nagel, leading coach and international expert on the CEO role
Professor Toby Salt, experienced CEO and non-executive director former group CEO of AQA
Apply to join us on the #BeingTheCEO programme
Complete the form below to be considered for this programme.