The idea for Charity Finance Group sprang from the vision of one man, Adrian Randall, then Finance Director of Cancer Research Campaign.
After a discussion with a few fellow FDs, Adrian set about starting a group to provide "... the exchange of views and the discussion and potential solution of common problems among chartered accountants and other senior financial executives working in charities."
By the end of the year, CFDG (we have since dropped the ‘D’) was being run out of a small office at the Cancer Research Campaign, and 130 charities had joined the group.
Three decades later and Adrian’s vision is still going strong. We have established a strong movement of professionals working for change, growing into a well-respected charity and increasing our charity members ten-fold. Follow our timeline below to chart some of the key moments along the way.
CFG Timeline
CFG at present: a thriving charity with membership of over 1,450 organisations
2017: CFG’s 30-year anniversary. Establish new award to recognise excellence in charity financial management
2016: Campaign to maintain charitable Mandatory Business Rate Relief
2015: CFG’s campaigning leads to DWP calling for evidence on the section 75 pension debt rules
2014: Create Special Interest Group for Community Accountants and CEO Alumni
2013: Kick off a new three-year strategy
2012: 25th Anniversary and a change of name from CFDG to CFG
2011: A new CEO, and responding to a new political environment
2010: CFDG works to respond to the 2010 election
2009: Keith Hickey, then CEO, leaves to join RNIB
2008: 20th anniversary, and supporting charities in a time of recession
2007: A new chair and record numbers of attendees at the annual conference
2006: Keith Hickey joins as CEO, and CFG’s governance is changed and improved
2005: A re-brand and farewell to CFG’s CEO, Shirley Scott
2004: CFDG celebrates recruiting its 1,000th member
2003: CFDG works to inform and influence SORP on behalf of its members
2002: Development of online groups, and first risk survey carried out
2001: First regional groups set up, online resource sharing platform launches
1997: 10th anniversary commemorated by annual dinner attended by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal
1996: CFDG registered as a charity, Stephen Burgess appointed chair
1992: Andrew Hind appointed as CFDG's second chair
1991: Charity Finance Handbook launches, first member’s helpline set up
1990: Finance execs from 18 of the top 20 charities become members
1988: First member’s meeting and annual dinner held
1987: Adrian Randall sets up the Charity Finance Director’s Group
Annual Reports
See our archive of annual reports for more detailed information about CFG’s history.