A participant reflects on studying the CFA Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Cert IV small group activity
The Volunteer Leadership Development (VLD) Program funds the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course.
The VLD program aims to build and enhance volunteer leadership capability through the delivery of a suite of leadership development opportunities. The program is one of the transformative initiatives funded by the CFA Public Fund following the 2019-20 bushfires to enable volunteer capacity building across brigades throughout Victoria.
It is also supporting the achievement of CFA's strategic goals (Outcome 3.4), Board priorities (Priority 3.5) and the External Culture Review (Recommendation 3d).
The Organisational Development (People Excellence and Innovation) team is supporting two groups currently working their way through the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course. The June 2024 group will graduate in coming months, and the April 2025 group have just started their journey.
Both groups are already fully subscribed and the program will continue with an August intake in 2026 and April and August intakes in 2027. EOIs are currently closed, but can be accessed when open on the Development Opportunities page on Members Online, along with other development programs.
District 9 Headquarters Brigade member Marianne Joy gave us the following reflections of her journey through the Certificate IV program.
"I found the CFA Certificate IV in Leadership and Management course to be an amazing learning and support opportunity through my most recent Brigade Leadership journey. I, like others, felt a little nervous at the start, however nerves were quickly dispelled thanks to the supportive and energetic facilitation and ever present and supportive CFA coordinator who demonstrated, encouragement, patience, leadership knowledge and understanding of our CFA commitments.
"The periodic online virtual sessions and three in-person weekends at amazing venues across the state allowed us to share knowledge within the participant group that enhanced our learning and CFA leadership experience. We were also fortunate that the program schedule included minimal coursework and assessment over the Fire Danger Period allowing us to do what was needed as CFA volunteers over that period.
"The insight and leadership skills acquired through completion of the Cert IV are transferrable and valuable to CFA, my workplace, my community activity, and my social and interpersonal relationships. It is a personal growth opportunity that I encourage all current and potential CFA leaders to consider.
"One of the highlights and personal growth insight was the emotional intelligence (180 degree) feedback exercise that identified my strengths and growth opportunities. Every unit held something we could take back to our brigades and apply practically and successfully.
"We all led a project which spanned the entire length of the course, providing an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the CFA project management process. This unit culminated in the group each presenting their project to the rest of the group. There was a wide breadth of topics and complexities, all suited to the brigade in question.
"The Cert IV did require effort over the 12 months to complete the coursework and assignments, but by planning my time in advance it was an enjoyable task. Another support I wasn't really expecting was having a group online session with the assessor a couple of weeks after the in-person and virtual sessions, who provided clarity and further encouragement in relation to the assessment of knowledge and portfolio requirements.
"During our last in-person weekend away together in May 2025 where we presented our projects, I took a reflective moment to look around the room and acknowledge the quality and commitment of my peers and CFA's investment in us. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of the inaugural CFA Certificate IV Leadership and Management Program."