CETC Celebrates Two Decades of Success

Friday 1st September 2006 saw CETC celebrate 20 years of success with a lunch reception for all those who had supported CETC over the years. In September 1986, CIPFA established CETC and gave it a remit of providing high quality added value courses for CIPFA students studying for its qualifications. 20 years on and CETC is a highly successful network of colleges with centres in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.

The 100 guests who attended the reception included several students from CETC's initial cohorts in 1986 and 1987; former students who have gone on to high profile careers in the public sector; current and former staff; past and present governors on the CETC governing body; and the CIPFA President, Vice-President and Chief Executive.

Speaking at the event, Caroline Gardner CIPFA President, said: "It is an extraordinary achievement to have continued delivering high quality training for 20 years. CETC's strengths lie in its enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication. It's enthusiasm for the profession and the sector. It's commitment to providing high quality courses for CIPFA's qualifications and recruiting expert tutors to deliver these. And its dedication to the students, in supporting them through their exams and helping them in the first steps of their careers in public sector financial management. These are the reasons that CIPFA students choose CETC and the reasons they will continue to do so."

Talking after Caroline, Gary Gilbert - Head of CETC - provided the guests with an entertaining speech that looked back at the events of the past 20 years and the achievements CETC has made. After the speeches the guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and a chance to catch up with old friends.

Photographs from the lunch reception can be seen below: