Frequently asked questions

Training

How many training credits do I have left?

All forces have 35 training credits to use each subscription year (1 April–31 March), which gives a total of 70 places across the two years. If you would like to find out exactly how many credits have been used and who has used them, please submit a request to your AFEP Programme Manager.

What can I use my 35 training credits for?

AFEP instructor-led training, e-learning and CIPFA networks: Better Governance Forum, Finance Advisory Network, Police and Fire Network, Treasury Management Network and Property Training Network. 

What should I do if my credits are running out?

Please contact your AFEP Programme Manager in the first instance to discuss your options around extending your allowance.

How can I book myself or my team members onto training?

We recommend that forces nominate someone to manage their AFEP pre-pay credits to ensure places get fairly distributed across the force. To book onto a course, please sign in to your MyCIPFA account and go to the AFEP training and events page. If you have any difficulties booking online, please contact your AFEP training lead Louise Southall Louise.Southall@cipfa.org, who will be able to book for you.

I’m really interested in attending one of the AFEP training courses, but I can’t see a date on the training calendar. When will I find out the date?

We will be updating the training calendar regularly throughout the year to keep courses current and to adapt to member feedback. We aim to send out quarterly email updates with upcoming training to allow members enough time to hold the dates in their diary. Please let your AFEP Programme Manager know if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

What learning and development opportunities are there for police staff outside of the finance team?

The programme offers several training courses for anyone outside of the finance team, including Introduction to Police Finance, Finance for Non-financial Managers, Managing Small Projects and business acumen training. If you would like to find out more about how to make the most of your AFEP subscription, please book an introductory call with your AFEP Programme Manager, who will go through your options with you.

Data

How do I access the AFEP data products including the dashboards and Police Financial Resilience index?

1. Go to https://analytics.cipfa.org/
2. Click on the green Login button
3. Sign in to your My CIPFA account
4. On the left hand side select “Public Protection”
5. Scroll down the page to view all the AFEP data products on the right hand side.

I can’t access any of the AFEP data products. What should I do?

Firstly, check if you are signed into your MyCIPFA account with your police email address, then return to analytics.cipfa.org.

If you still are unable to view any of the products, there may be an issue with your access. Please contact your AFEP Programme Manager. If you know what you are looking for, our data analyst will be able to share raw data on request while your access is being reinstated.

How do I request a demo of the AFEP data products, eg the data dashboards, Police Financial Resilience Index, etc?

Please contact Samuel Shelver Samuel.Shelver@cipfa.org, AFEP Data Analyst, who will be able to arrange a demo for you and your team at a time that suits you best. As part of your subscription, we also offer data workshops demonstrating how to use the products in an interactive group setting with other forces.

Where are the AFEP face to face networking events taking place?

We will launch the AFEP events at the CIPFA HQ in London and then explore regional events according to demand.

Full address: 77 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN (Location map)

Events

How do I reserve a place at the AFEP CFO retreat in September?

Reserve your place with your AFEP Programme Manager. Please note as part of your AFEP subscription, you will receive one place per force and one place per PCC CFO. If you are a CFO and are unable to attend, we encourage you to offer your place to your deputy or another senior leader.

I don’t have a lot of time to go to training and can’t make it to the face-to-face networking events. What other options are there for me?

Most of our courses will be delivered virtually using Microsoft Teams and have been developed to be flexible to suit busy schedules, ranging from two hours to half-day courses. If you are unable to attend, please nominate another colleague in your place to avoid the risk of losing your pre-pay credits.

Other

How can I get involved in the consultancy working groups and what do I get out of it?

Please submit your request to your AFEP Programme Manager to take part in one or more of the following streams:

• Financial sustainability and resilience
• People development
• Governance and decision making
• Sustainability
• Assets

The streams will be facilitated by CIPFA consultants and chaired by a force and PCC CFO. Other members include the Home Office, HMICFRS and wider sector stakeholders with an interest in the respective thematic area. Members will gain insight from senior stakeholders and take part in developing national initiatives together with the sector to shape the future of police finance.

I am trying to download a publication but it’s saying that I have to pay. What should I do?

All publications will be free as part of your AFEP subscription. Please ensure you are signed into your MyCIPFA account and then click ‘Download’. If it is not allowing you to download and still asking for payment details, please contact your AFEP Programme Manager, who will be able to get a copy for you while resolving your access issue.

How can I see an overview of what’s included in my AFEP subscription?

Log into your MyCIPFA account, scroll down to ‘My subscriptions’ and select ‘Show my subscriptions section’ and then select ‘Go’, you will be able to preview what’s included in your AFEP subscription. Please note this can take some time to load depending on your network.