At CFG’s Annual Dinner and Awards on Thursday 8 October, we presented our Volunteer of the Year award to Jon King, Director of Finance and Corporate Resources at SCIE, who founded and chairs CFG’s Finance Leaders’ Group.
Jon originally approached CFG in 2021 with a plan to create a trusted space for charity finance professionals to get together, share knowledge and work through problems with peers who understand the demands that finance leaders' face. The Finance Leaders' Group was promptly launched, and five years later the group now has 200 members.
Speaking about Jon's award, Zoe Bennett, CFG's Membership and Engagement Manager said: “Jon has established a vibrant network of knowledgeable and generous peers. Those who have been part of the group since 2021 have seen just how much time, expertise and thoughtful leadership he has put into building this community, and bringing the best experts and topics to our group.
“I often receive feedback about the significant impact that Jon has had, and how invaluable having this supportive network is. Jon makes a point to meet with every new member of the group, which is testament to his dedication and passion for supporting and welcoming other members. We are delighted that Jon has won the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2026. Congratulations from the CFG team!”
What the group offers
Senior finance roles can be isolating, especially in a remote-working world. The group gives members somewhere to ask questions, test ideas and hear how others have handled similar challenges. Jon describes it as fostering “a strong sense of belonging”.
Last year, members discussed how AI is being used in charities and how to report effectively to boards, and heard from the CEO of the Charity Commission on regulatory updates. In 2026, Jon has arranged a different guest speaker for each of the group’s four meetings. Members will also keep looking at AI, cybersecurity and fraud prevention, along with affordable, effective finance systems for smaller charities.
The group is greatly appreciated by it's members, who immediately responded to the news Jon had won the award by sending messages of congratulations, and thanking Jon for all he does for the group.
A final word from Jon
After receiving the award, Jon said: "I was proud and honoured to receive CFG’s Volunteer of the Year award. Five years ago, I suggested creating a CFG group where small charity finance leaders could share best practice, tackle sector-wide challenges and support one another, recognising that finance can be a lonely place to work sometimes, especially in the remote-working world. This award recognises the group’s growth and the community that has been built. As I said at the awards ceremony, the true star is Zoe Bennett, whose dedication and support have been central to the group’s success.
“A particular highlight was telling [CFG's Finance and Operations Director] Sarah Moore, sitting beside me at dinner, how the group began, little knowing she would be presenting my award! Thank you to CFG for my award, it means a huge amount. I look forward to the group’s next chapter.”
If you're interested in joining CFG's Finance Leaders' Group, email our membership team and they will guide you through the process.
You can also read about all our 2026 award winners here.