CIPFA Speaks

Why are 75% of local authority budgets consumed by social care? What steps can the government take to rein in escalating costs and meet growing demand? And how can public finance professionals ease pressures on local authorities? 

In this month’s episode, we tackle the urgent need for change in adult and children’s social care—a system that places unsustainable strain on local governments and the wellbeing of its communities alike. 

Join Dr. William Burns, CIPFA's Social Care Policy Advisor, Bernie Enright, Executive Director of Adult Social Services at Manchester City Council, and John Pearce, Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Durham County Council, as they unpack the challenges and actionable strategies for managing demand. 

Tune in for expert insights and practical solutions to one of the public sector’s most pressing issues. 

Why do different areas of the UK approach climate change differently? How can the UK government and local authorities grow in a sustainable manner? And what can be done to ensure sustainability is at the heart of decision-making? 

With a new government and new growth plan emerging at a time when the world undergoes rapid structural change from climate, technology, and demographic forces, the public sector must make tough decisions to advance its sustainability agenda. That’s why, in this month’s episode, CIPFA’s Sustainability Policy Manager, Amit Verma, and Professor Matthew Agarwala, Bennett Chair of Sustainable Finance at the University of Sussex, come together to explore how and why the public sector should strive for sustainable improvements.   

Tune in to learn more about multifaceted challenges and possible solutions to achieve prosperity for all.   

Tune in for an exclusive interview with outgoing CIPFA CEO Rob Whiteman for heartfelt insights into Rob's personal life and talents away from work. 

Amid a time of tumultuous political change, we sat down with him as he prepares to pass the baton to his successor, Owen Mapley. Rob reflects on his decade-long tenure at the helm of the institute, sharing his proudest achievement at CIPFA, greatest challenge, and thoughts on the opportunities for the economy as we enter an age of artificial intelligence (AI).

What does it take to lead a public finance organisation during challenging times? Which song best describes your decade as CIPFA CEO? And where do you see public finance and the public sector headed after the General Election?...and many more questions answered in this month’s episode.

Why hasn’t levelling up worked as promised? How will the next government address capacity issues and create knowledge exchange?

We have just seen the election results for local and mayoral elections in May as we look forward to the general election this year. Which is why, in this month’s episode, experts from academia, think-tank and local authority come together to address what the next government should do to address regional inequalities in England. We are joined by Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director at City-REDI, University of Birmingham, Tom Davies, Associate Director at Social Finance UK and Leigh Bramall, Director of Counter Context, and former Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council.

CIPFA, in partnership with the University of Birmingham City-REDI, published in February a report on ‘Investing in Regional Equality- four English examples’ which found ten success factors that will address regional inequalities in England.

Tune in to learn more about multifaceted challenges and possible solutions to achieve prosperity for all. 

How can local government support you to live a life in good health?

On World Health Day 2024, we're championing public sector preventative measures in alignment with World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme of ‘my health, my right’.

Hear from Chair of CIPFA’s prevention project Reference Group and Chief Executive of NHS Business Services Authority, Michael Brodie CBE, and CIPFA Policy Researcher on Prevention, Zachary Scott, as they explore how prevention can improve lives, the role of local government in building resilient communities and why local authorities should join CIPFA and the Health Foundation's Exploring Preventative Investment in local government in England project to make a difference today.

Who are some of the women shaping the future of public finance?

In this Women's History Month special, join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in public finance and accountancy. We sit down with three women from across the three pillars of our organisation: CIPFA Develops, CIPFA Solutions and CIPFA Thinks. Up first, we hear from President of the CIPFA Student Network (CSN), Harriot Winfield, as she tells us why students should join CSN, and what women can bring to the public finance sector. We're then joined by CIPFA Solutions Project Management Office Consultant, Randeep Sahota, as she discusses all things careers and consulting.

Last but not least, we chat to CIPFA Thinks Senior Policy Manager, Jo Pitt, as she shares her career journey to date, along with insights from CIPFA’s latest Financial Resilience Index. 

1'15 Harriot Winfield, President of CSN

7'13 Randeep Sahota, CIFPA Solutions Project Management Office Consultant

11'35 CIPFA Thinks Senior Policy Manager, Jo Pitt

Welcome back to CIPFA Speaks. In this episode, we discuss how teams can best prepare for the implementation of the international financial reporting standard (IFRS) 16. 

There’s just over 1 month to go before this new accounting requirement on leases will be mandatory from the 1st of April 2024. So, now is the time to take stock of preparations.  

 

We are joined by David Ellis, a Financial Advisory Network Advisor at CIPFA. David talks us through what the changes mean, what teams can be doing in preparation, along with the benefits of IFRS 16 and the resources that CIPFA has to that may be useful for teams. 

Welcome back to CIPFA Speaks! In this episode, we explore adult social care charging reforms. 

 

We are joined by Karen Fuller, Corporate Director for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council. Karen shares their experience as one of the six trailblazers who implemented the reforms earlier than the rest of the country.

Next up, we hear from Dr William Burns, CIPFA Social Care Policy Advisor. William discusses insights from CIPFA’s recently published Charging for Adult Social are in England report. He talks us through the current charging system, the government’s proposed reforms and CIPFA’s five principles for a sustainable and equitable social care system.

Our final guest is Vicky Davis, Director of Local Government Value for Money at the National Audit Office (NAO). Vicky discusses the NAO’s report on reforming adult social care in England, including how DHSC is responding to the challenges facing adult social care, and its progress with delivering the reforms.

CIPFA and ICAEW recently announced a joint declaration, which will provide many benefits for the members and students for both Institutes.

On this episode, we hear from CIPFA CEO, Rob Whiteman and CIPFA's Head of Qualifications and Membership, Anna Howard. They give an insight into what the joint declaration means and how it will help drive the public finance profession forward.

You can find out more about the joint declaration on CIPFA's website.

This month on CIPFA Speaks! we are focusing on all things tech in celebration of CIPFA's recently released blockchain report. We are joined by Jeffrey Matsu, CIPFA's Chief Economist, who is in conversation with Mehdi Shiva, who is a Research Leader at RAND Europe.

In addition, we hear from Caitlin Bentley, who is a Lecturer at King's College London, focusing on AI education and the responsible use of AI technology. She is also a Co-Lead in the Skills Programme at Responsible AI UK.