This report contains the findings of a survey of chief officers on management teams in the NHS in England and Wales. The survey, carried out in 1981, was part of an initiative by the King's Fund to develop a management education programme for the most senior officers in health services management. The King's Fund developed a Corporate Management Programme aimed at chief officers and those likely to move into chief officer posts in the near future. The survey intends to gain information on chief officers' opinions on the importance of selected 'Knowledge areas and skills' which may be relevant to their jobs.