CIPFA South East x Allen Lane Mentoring Evening

This in-person event, delivered in partnership between CIPFA South East Region and Allen Lane, and hosted by Grant Thornton UK, brings together senior public finance leaders and early-career CIPFA professionals for high-quality, structured conversations designed to make a lasting impact.

This is not speed networking.
The evening has been carefully designed to create space for thoughtful, purposeful discussions that go beyond introductions and into real insight, experience sharing and practical career guidance.

You can expect:

• Extended mentoring conversations that allow time for genuine dialogue
• Structured matching to ensure discussions are relevant and valuable
• Informal networking with senior finance peers from across the South East
• A well-facilitated, relaxed environment that keeps the evening flowing naturally

There is no obligation for ongoing mentoring after the event - but many past attendees have chosen to stay in touch where conversations sparked a strong connection.

We are bringing together:

Mentors
S151 Officers, Deputy S151s, Assistant Directors and Heads of Finance from across local government

Mentees
CIPFA graduates and Newly Qualified members (within approximately two years post-qualification)

This unique mix creates a rare opportunity to gain direct insight from those already operating at senior leadership level in public finance.

During the evening, we will hear short, honest reflections from three senior finance leaders who will share:

• Their career journeys - including unexpected turns
• Key decisions, successes and lessons learned
• Practical advice for those at the start of their professional careers

These talks are designed to be open, real and grounded in lived experience.

Whether you are mentoring or being mentored, the evening offers the chance to:

• Build meaningful professional connections
• Learn from different career paths and leadership styles
• Strengthen your network across the regional public finance community
• Support the next generation of local government finance leaders

Please note that this event is specifically designed for CIPFA graduates and Newly Qualified members (within approximately two years post-qualification) who are at an early stage in their public finance careers.

To ensure the mentoring conversations remain relevant and valuable for attendees, booking is therefore limited to individuals who meet this criteria.

If you are unsure whether this applies to you, feel free to contact the event organisers before booking.

Date: Thursday 5 March 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm (arrival from 6:15pm)
Location: Grant Thornton, 8 Finsbury Circus, London

A fantastic evening of insight, connection and community - we look forward to welcoming you.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grant Thornton UK, 8 Finsbury Circus, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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