History

CFG was established in 1987 – follow our 30-year history, and how we have developed from a small group of financial directors to a thriving charity with over 1,400 members.

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 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.