Local government in every part of the UK is making tough decisions about the services they provide and how best they can support vulnerable people.  It's a difficult moment as they are facing budget challenges at a time when demand for critical services is high. There's also the cost of energy and the added demand of a population that is getting older. So what can be done?

Our podcast explores these issues in order to find some answers - as well as look towards the future. We are joined by special guests Jonathan Werran, chief executive of the Localis think tank and Justin Galliford, chief executive of Norse Group.

Their takes cover everything from Dennis Healey to school meals - and even Donald Rumsfeld gets a look-in. So, enjoy this very special edition.

A recent Public Finance/Workday roundtable discussion highlighted how culture change and technology can help government departments transform their finance function into a faster and smarter partner, better equipped to help the organisation succeed…

What can organisations do when priorities are continually changing and budgets are short term? Active financial planning enables them to gain data-driven insights into multiple scenarios and their potential impact, while agile financial management helps shift the focus towards effective resourcing improvements for frontline delivery.

Join Rob Douglas, Regional Sales Director, Planning, at Workday and Edward Bass, Regional Finance Lead, Workday to discuss how organisations can become more efficient and effective while driving impactful improvements in the public services they deliver.

• Managing resources during uncertainty to deliver frontline services and increase overall fiscal and workforce visibility and accountability
• Process automation for efficiency
• Driving collaboration and visibility while managing short term budgets

Whos who:

• Claire Callaghan, lead finance business partner, probation service, Ministry of Justice Finance
• Jon Watkins, group editor, Public Finance
• Nicola Smith, UK and Ireland lead for finance platforms and transformation, Accenture UK
• Paul Eccleson, trustee, National Museums Liverpool
• Mike Newbury, director, local audit code and guidance, National Audit Office
• Jenni Field, deputy director, finance strategy, Health Education England
• Olivia Halliday, head of balance sheet management, HM Treasury
• Andy Venables, financial accountant, Office of the Public Guardian, MoJ
• John Matheson, chair of audit and risk committee, Transport Scotland, and former CIPFA president
• Rob Douglas, director Europe, planning, Workday
• Vicky Rock, director of public spending, HM Treasury and deputy head of the UK Government Finance Function
• Edward Bass, government financials lead, EMEA, Workday

In this Podcast series from Public Finance magazine, the official  magazine of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, we'll be bringing you news, opinions and tips to help Public Finance professionals stay informed about policy and practice developments affecting their work. To sponsor an episode please email [email protected].