
Over the last year BUFDG has been conducting research into how we can support the development of our Senior Finance members to become our future finance leaders within Higher Education. This research was initially instigated to see what type of development a Deputy Finance Director, or an equivalent level might undertake if they wanted to become a future Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer in Higher Education. Together with a consultant from Advance HE, we conducted a number of interviews with VC's, Registrar's, COO's, CFO's, Finance Directors, HR Directors, Deputy Finance Directors, Assistant Finance Directors and external recruiters.
The report findings were mostly on par with what we expected and there will be different views on the outputs, but it gives a good summary of the skills and capabilities needed in a finance leader. It also highlights some of the challenges that can be faced when trying to develop as a senior leader and most importantly the types of development activities and experience that will add value. This should not be seen to be only for those who want to move up to the next level, but for anyone who wants to develop their skills as a senior leader. Here are some of the key findings:
How can BUFDG help and what is available?
As mentioned in the final point, any development activity needs to be self driven and tailored to the individual. At this stage, a BUFDG Deputy FD to FD development programme did not seem appropriate, simply because everyone would have such different needs. Instead, we have pulled together a group of activities, which fit with our research findings. For a copy of the full report, click here.
Skills and Characteristics of a Finance Leader
A summary of the skills and characteristics identified in the report, from those who are seeking a future leader and those currently in role.
A summary of the types of 'experience' and skills an aspiring future leader should focus on. Development then sits with the individual to identify their need.
Finance Leader Role Profiles
As the research showed, each individual finance leader role is varied. To help demonstrate the variety of the roles, we asked some willing volunteers to summarise the key aspects of their job in a role profile. Whilst not answering everything, it will give a good indication of the types of roles and the differences out there. Each finance leader has also kindly shared their advice on the journey to becoming a finance leader.
Recommended Development Activities
We have a range of existing development options available and some new suggestions. We have also included here, programmes offered by other providers, as this may be just what you as an individual need. BUFDG will continue to set up and provide a range of activities and these will he highlightes where approprite for aspiring future leaders.
Action Learning Sets are a fantastic development tool and we run Multi Disciplinary Action Learning sets that are targeted to Deputy Director / Senior Leader level. In addressing the development need for a future finance leader, this is one of the best development activities you can do. It ticks of the box for development, breadth of knowledge, networking, leading a project together with a return on investment by tackling a current business issue. Click in the link to read more about them. New Action Learning Sets launch in November.
Board Experience with Pilot-Light
If you want to gain access to some hands on training working with a 'Board' and develop with action focused learning for a year. If you could manage 3 hours a month for your personal development and actually, would be keen to make a positive difference to a charity at the same time - then look no further than Pilotlight!
Deputy Finance Director Meetings
Another opportunity to gain a network, breadth of knowledge and experience is by attending the regional Deputy Finance Director meetings. For some, these are a 'not to be missed' event and where engagement levels are high, we see a supportive network and a range of fascinating topics covered. We have seen renewed focus in some of these meetings, so please don't miss out on the next round at the end of the year. You can book your place in the meeting link above. Contact Rachel for any queries.
Mentoring is a great way to learn through others - if done right! There may be some members, who would find mentoring a valuable experience. This can be a more structured mentoring programme, or something more informal, such as a meeting or call to support an individual looking to apply for a new role, for example. Whether it is ‘light touch’ or more structured and over a longer period, the same principles should apply. For more details on mentoring click on the mentoring link above.
Led by Advance HE, Step onto the Board is a workshop that helps aspiring women to join a board with practical tools and confidence. Given this is one of our development areas - this joins us very nicely as a development activity. The workshop includes advice on the practical tools and advice together with tools to deliver leadership presence and purpose. Its will also guide participants on how best to seize opportunities and the challenges of navigating board culture. the next dates for these workshops are 13th February and 3rd April 2019.
If you are looking for a programme that covers a huge range of development, then Advance HE's Future Professional Directors Programme will be relevant to you. The programme has three residential modules over nine months, supported online and group work outside of these. The three focus modules are 'leading in a culture of change', leading across the organisation' and 'leading strategic engagement'. The next programme starts on Wednesday 13th March 2019.
Keep a look out for more development activities...
If you have any questions, or would like to talk through - please contact Rachel