Structured peer networks for MAT Finance Leaders
Two distinct programmes, one for senior financial leaders, one for the next generation, both built on the same principle: real peer challenge in a confidential, non-commercial environment.
Executive Strategy Rooms
Private strategic intelligence for senior MAT finance leaders
Our Executive Strategy Rooms are high-trust, non-commercial forums where senior leaders engage in closed-door strategic dialogue, sharing regulatory insight, audit intelligence and proven financial practice.
Each room operates under a strict confidentiality charter and non-selling rule, with independent facilitation and executive challenge methodology.
Real Life Scenarios
We tackle current, high-impact topics, from procurement, budgeting, and risk management to resource planning and leadership communication. You'll work through real-life scenarios, test practical frameworks, and leave with tools you can put into action immediately.
Informal conversations are just as valuable as the main session, giving you space to exchange ideas, share experience, and build trusted relationships.
Who Should Join
Designed exclusively for Senior Financial leaders within Multi-Academy Trusts:
- CFOs, Finance Directors and Financial Partners
- Heads of Finance and Trust-wide business leaders
- Senior Finance professionals aspiring to executive roles
If you're leading financial strategy in a MAT and want to sharpen skills, gain practical insight, and connect with trusted peers, enter the room.
Emerging Leaders Network
Not just another professional network
finance leaders are stepping into strategic conversations earlier than ever, yet many make this transition without structured peer challenge or a safe environment to test decisions. MATFMA networks provide that missing professional space.
How it works
- Small confidential peer cohorts, maximum 10 leaders
- Professionally facilitated MAT-focused discussions
- Practical tools and frameworks used in live trusts
- Half-day networks throughout the year
- Annual full networking events
- Independent facilitation
What participants use sessions for
- Test strategic decisions before Senior Leadership discussions
- Compare approaches across other Multi-Academy Trusts
- Explore finance, operations and leadership challenges
- Build trusted professional relationships
Build sharper judgement. Strengthen executive confidence. Lead with impact.
What emerging leaders actually need
Space to think
Move beyond operational delivery into strategic perspective across the whole trust.
Real peer challenge
Challenge grounded in real MAT experience, not theory or generic leadership content.
Practical tools
Frameworks proven in live organisations that you can apply immediately.
System perspective
Cross-trust visibility and insight that broadens how you see complex decisions.
Executive confidence
The ability to contribute meaningfully at executive and board level from early in your career.
Trusted relationships
A network of peers who understand your context, and will still be there years from now.
From Technical Expertise to Strategic Leadership
Most members already bring strong technical expertise. At MATFMA we focus on the next stage of development.
Leadership capabilities
- Strategic thinking and long-term perspective
- Executive presence and influence
- System awareness across trusts
- Commercial and financial judgement
- Cross-trust collaboration
Member access
- Specialist sector insight
- Tested tools and templates
- Practical frameworks refined in live trusts
The goal is simple: develop leaders who can think clearly, act confidently and contribute to sustainable trust leadership.
Ready to join a programme?
Membership is free, per-person and admin-approved. Once you're in you can access both programmes and see all upcoming events.
Apply to join