CIPFA has offered 20 free scholarships for its professional qualification to promising finance talent in police forces across the country.
Forces that are members of the institute’s Achieving Financial Excellence in Policing (AFEP) programme were invited to submit applications for the first tranche of places over the summer. The first group of students, selected from a strong field of candidates, began their training in September 2020. Applications are now open for the second intake of students to start in March 2021.
CIPFA CEO Rob Whiteman said:
“We are living in a time of unprecedented challenges. Change is significant and happening at pace. The days of public sector organisations being slow to shift their talent strategies have to be behind us if we are to keep up. Younger cohorts are entering the workforce with quite different expectations and motivations from previous generations.
“Through the AFEP programme, we have committed to investing in fit-for-the-future people strategies in policing that empower finance to take control of their professional development. This investment will help the sector attract, engage and retain the high-performing finance teams that will be crucial to their future success.”
Current student and Financial Systems Specialist at Police Scotland Naresh Karunamoorthi said:
“The scholarship is an excellent opportunity for any public service finance professional who would like to prosper in their career and achieve excellence.
“An undeniable benefit of the programme is the support. While it requires effort and determination to complete the course, having support from line management and CIPFA tutors is an added advantage.”
The application window for the March 2021 intake closes on Sunday 17 January 2021.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
The AFEP programme has been developed in partnership with key organisations across the police sector, setting a vision for a collaborative police finance profession that uses robust evidence and best practice to drive reform and enhance public financial management and efficiency. Find out more here
Eighty per cent of UK police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners are members.
CIPFA’s professional accountancy qualification provides the full range of skills and competencies required for a successful finance career in public services. Those completing the qualification acquire the globally recognised CPFA (Chartered Public Finance Accountant) designation.