HFMAtalk

This episode features a conversation with Paul Brown, who stepped down last year from his role as an ICB chief financial officer and now works as an independent advisor to the NHS. Having been involved with HFMA for many years, Paul shares reflections on his career journey and insights gained since leaving his full‑time CFO role.New HFMA members in band 7+ roles, or those recently qualified, can access half-price membership for two years. Register before 30 June 2026 to take advantage of the offer, use code: Member50OFF

In this episode of HFMAtalk, we share a session from our recent pre-accounts planning event.Chaired by Debbie Paterson, senior technical manager at the HFMA, the discussion features Gary Mincher, finance manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust, and Ian Howse, key audit partner at Deloitte. They explore how to foster effective relationships with your auditor, highlight best practices, and outline the critical questions to ask for a smoother audit process.

In this episode, we bring you a session from the recent HFMA pre-accounts planning event.Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA, is joined by Ben Sherriff, associate partner at Deloitte LLP, to explore auditor feedback from the latest planning cycle. Together, they unpack what auditors are focusing on, key themes emerging from the process, and the in-year developments finance teams need to be aware of as they prepare for year-end.

In this episode, we explore why sustainability reporting is now a board-level priority and why finance leaders must take an active role.Kat Ridley, policy manager at the HFMA, is joined by William Hughes, director and climate & nature sustainability services lead at Forvis Mazars, and Wendy Cheeseman, head of sustainability and carbon management at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss the updated HFMA sustainability reporting briefing and what it means for organisations preparing their year-end accounts.They address common misconceptions, the impact of Phase 3 TCFD reporting, and the growing importance of climate-related scenario modelling for finance teams. The conversation highlights the risks of disengagement, the benefits of integrating sustainability into financial decision-making, and the practical steps finance leaders should take ahead of the 2025/26 year end to ensure robust reporting.You can find the policy briefing here.

In the final episode of our annual conference special, Steve Brown, editor of Healthcare Finance magazine, picks up on Elizabeth O'Mahony's conference session, where she said NHS finance had to be fully aligned with the ambitions of the 10-year plan, and asks what this might mean in terms of changes to the financial framework.This December, the HFMA annual conference is moving to Birmingham. You can buy tickets for the event ⁠⁠here.

In the second episode of our annual conference special, we reflect on day two, which saw Catherine Phillips take the stage as the new president of the HFMA, alongside sessions focused on the NHS ten year plan. We spoke to our guest speakers and HFMA delegates to find out how the plan will be implemented and the various challenges along the way. In 2026, the HFMA annual conference is moving to Birmingham. You can buy tickets for the event ⁠here.

In this special episode of HFMAtalk, we report from day one of the HFMA annual conference.The first day of the conference traditionally centres on the outgoing president’s theme and, this year, Lee Outhwaite focused on ‘values and value’. We spoke to Lee, HFMA members, the HFMA policy team, and the presidents of the HFMA in Australia and the USA about what the theme means to them and how it is shaping their work.In 2026, the HFMA annual conference is moving to Birmingham. You can buy tickets for the event here.

In this episode, we’re bringing you a recording of a recent webinar from our series exploring the 10-year health plan and what it means for finance.In this session, Phill Wells, deputy chief financial officer - strategic finance, NHS England, offers a comprehensive overview of the plan, with a particular focus on the implications for finance professionals working across the health service.The session is chaired by Simon Crowther, acting chief executive, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is followed by a Q&A.You can book tickets for the HFMA annual conference here.

In this bite-sized episode of HFMAtalk, Steve Brown, Editor of the HFMA magazine Healthcare Finance, joins the podcast to provide insight on the latest news stories and wider challenges facing the NHS. The NHS faces severe financial pressures, including government demands to cut running costs and balance budgets. But those running cost reductions will mean redundancies, which need to be funded if the service is going to deliver its breakeven promise. This episode explores the impact on integrated care boards, the uncertainty for staff, and the urgent need for clarity from NHS England on funding and timelines.You can register for the HFMA annual conference event ⁠⁠here.

In this episode, we explore how University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UCHW) has embedded the Virginia Mason Production System (VMPS) to improve patient care and deliver greater value.We speak to Marie Fogarty, group clinical director, and Lynda Mott, a modern matron, about how the system has been embedded in the trust and hear real-world examples of its impact on patient care, staff engagement, and financial savings.VMPS is an internationally renowned system that focuses on eliminating waste, reducing variation, and putting the patient first in every process. In April 2026, the HFMA and Virginia Mason Institute are hosting a two-day study tour of UHCW giving NHS leaders the opportunity to see how the trust has adapted and benefited from the VMPS in an NHS setting.Find out more about the tour and register your interest on the HFMA website.

In this episode, we’re bringing you a session from our recent Environmental sustainability series event. During the session, Phillip Branford, environmental and sustainability officer at Sheffield Children's Hospital, outlines the process and impact of the trust decommissioning its nitrous oxide and pipeline systems.This work earned the organisation the 2024 HFMA Environmental Sustainability Award — a fantastic example of clinical and finance teams working together to drive meaningful change.Nominations for the HFMA Awards 2025 are now open until Friday 3 October 2025. You can find out more and start your nomination ⁠here.You can register for the HFMA annual conference event ⁠here.

In this episode, Emma Knowles, HFMA director of policy and communications, sits down with current HFMA president Lee Outhwaite.Lee reflects on his career in NHS finance, from starting out in Plymouth in the early 1990s to his current role as CFO at South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, sharing stories from across his time in both provider and commissioning roles.He discusses insights from attending the HFMA US annual conference, his presidential theme of values and value, and how finance leaders can respond to today's challenges with honesty, perspective and purpose. Lee also opens up about what supports him, what helps him unwind, and what he hopes the future holds, for the NHS and for himself.Lee will be at the HFMA annual conference in London in December, where he will be reflecting on his theme and year as president. You can register for the event here.

In this episode, we are joined by 2024 Rising Star award winner Sofiya Khan-Ringshaw. Now a costing analyst at North East London Foundation Trust and chair of both the HFMA next gen committee and London student finance network, Sofiya shares how she found her footing in NHS finance after joining as an apprentice at just 16.From overcoming self-doubt to driving national networks and mentoring others, she talks candidly about the power of short-term goals, the importance of representation, and what keeps her inspired to make a difference.This conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement for everyone in NHS finance, especially bands 2–6 staff looking to shape a meaningful and rewarding career.Nominations for the HFMA Awards 2025 are now open until Friday 3 October 2025. You can find out more and start your nomination here.

In today’s episode, we’re bringing you a recording from a recent ICB Forum event where we explored one of the key components of shifting towards more proactive, community-based and integrated care: integrated neighbourhood teams, or INTs.Katrina Percy and Martin Almond from the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) share their insights on what makes an INT successful and the crucial role that integrated care boards can play in enabling innovation and integration. You can register for the HFMA annual conference ⁠here.

In this episode, Steve Brown, Editor of the HFMA magazine Healthcare Finance, joins the podcast to provide insight on the latest news stories and wider challenges facing the NHS.You can register yourself or your team for the free HFMA members' summer series event ⁠⁠⁠here.

As the NHS in England faces unprecedented levels of uncertainty and change, the impact on individuals working within the service cannot be underestimated. With that in mind, in today’s episode, we showcase a conversation between Jodi Martin, Senior Strategic Finance Manager at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as well as a Mental health and wellbeing champion for One NHS Finance, alongside Andy Barton, a mental health nurse also at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.Together, they share their personal journeys into the world of wellbeing, and offer practical advice for anyone who might be struggling—or simply looking for new ways to take care of themselves and their colleagues.You can visit the One NHS Finance website here.If you're interested in becoming a health and wellbeing champion, you can find more information here.You can find your closest Talking Therapies GP by visiting the NHS website here.The ONF resource, supporting our staff, can be found here.

In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on the HFMA mental health and learning disabilities network — exploring the role it plays in supporting finance professionals and improving services across the NHS.We’re joined by Suzanne Robinson, former chair of the network, and Adrian Snarr, the current chair. They reflect on their involvement, the challenges facing mental health services today, and what’s next for the network as it continues to evolve.This episode focuses on mental health and includes a discussion of topics such as suicidal thoughts. Some listeners may find this content distressing. Please take care while listening and seek support if you need it.You can find more information on the mental health and learning disabilities network here and if you're interested in joining, please email [email protected] can register yourself or your team for the free HFMA members' summer series event ⁠⁠here.

The HFMA recently published a report titled, The NHS finance function in 2024: England. Produced every two years, the report provides a unique snapshot of the makeup of the NHS finance function in England, and how it is changing over time.In this episode, two of the HFMA’s senior policy managers: Lisa Robertson and Emily Hopkinson will explore the publication, explain how the data was gathered, and discuss what it shows about today’s finance workforce.You can find the report on the HFMA website here.You can register yourself or your team for the free HFMA members' summer series event ⁠here.

In this episode, we share a conversation between Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA, and Su Rollason, deputy chief executive officer and chief finance officer of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. Su reflects on her career and her role in leading one of theNHS’s most ambitious financial and operational transformations. This recording has been edited from a fireside chat webinar that took place in March.You can register yourself or your team for the free HFMA members' summer series event here.

In this episode, we share a conversation between Kathy Roe, Interim chief finance officer at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, and Jacob Lant, Chief executive at National Voices. They discuss the need for a stronger relationship between the NHS and the Voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.This recording has been edited from a session at our Integrated care series event, which took place in early March 2025.You can register for the HFMA annual conference here.

In this episode, Steve Brown, Editor of the HFMA magazine Healthcare Finance, joins the podcast to provide insight on the latest news stories and wider challenges facing the NHS.The surprise resignations of NHS England’s CEO, Amanda Pritchard, and CFO, Julian Kelly, have sent shockwaves through the sector. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to abolish NHS England entirely. This comes at a time of huge operational and financial challenges for the NHS across the whole UK as it looks to develop plans for 2025/26 that deliver sustainable services within budget.What does this mean for the future of NHS finance? And how will the NHS navigate these changes while planning for 2025/26?

In today’s episode, Debbie Paterson, senior technical manager at the HFMA, sits down with Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA, to discuss the 2024/25 financial year-end process. They explore some of the key challenges facing finance teams and auditors, important considerations to help ensure a smooth year-end, and the HFMA resources available to support everyone through the process.The HFMA has produced a number of resources to help navigate the process. Access them all here.For more details or to apply for the new VIFFs programme mentioned in this episode please visit hfma.to/viffs.

In March 2024, the HFMA, One NHS Finance and a group of NHS chief finance officers visited the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Institute in Seattle to learn about their world-renowned approach to quality improvement. In this episode, Lee Outhwaite (NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board) , Amy Whitaker (Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust), and Yarlini Roberts (Kingston and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust) discuss the visit, the learnings they took away, and how it has impacted their approach to quality improvement locally.

In this episode, Emily Hopkinson, policy and research manager at the HFMA, speaks to Nigel Gloudon, associate director of finance and performance for Halton at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, and Wendy Wood, finance business partner at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Nigel and Wendy are part of the first-ever cohort of health inequalities finance fellows (HIFFs), a joint programme being run by the HFMA and NHS England. They discuss what attracted them to the programme, their findings from being part of it and how they are integrating their leanings into their finance roles to better support the NHS. Access all our work and resources related to addressing health inequalities here.

In this episode, Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA speaks with Paul Dillon Robinson, non-executive director at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Louise Cobain, assurance director at MIAA, about the HFMA's recently rewritten audit committee handbook. They discuss the key updates and topics covered, how it is of value to committee members and finance colleagues, and the role of the audit committee more generally.  The handbook is openly available, and all NHS organisations can claim printed copies of it for free.  Access the digital copy here. Claim your free printed copies here.

In this episode, the HFMA’s Debbie Paterson, senior technical manager, and Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager, discuss the 2023/24 financial year-end process. They outline what issues finance teams need to consider regarding the preparation and audit of the annual report and accounts and highlight the different HFMA resources available to support finance colleagues through the process. You can access the HFMA resources here.

In this episode, Mark Orchard spoke with Simon Worthington, director of finance at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. They discussed Simon's impressive career, as well as his key contributions to NHS finance including his work on the aligned incentive contract, working day one reporting and finance team development. You can expect to get valuable insights and learnings from Simon as he shares his experiences in this engaging conversation.

In this latest episode, Lisa Robertson catches up with Caroline Clarke, NHS England’s London regional director, and Lizzie Smith, joint NHS England London Director or Workforce, Education and Training. Reflecting on their recent visits to health systems in New York and Chicago. They share their experience and insights and thank all those in the US who were so generous with their time. You can read the accompanying briefing, "The New York health system" ⁠here.⁠

For this edition of the podcast, HFMA senior policy manager Farida Khawaja caught up with the winners of the 2022 HFMA Finance Team of the Year award, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS Finance Team. Paul Brown (CFO), Martin Richards (head of programme finance for primary care) and Catherine Hope (operational business partner), reflect on their journey as a system, how they achieved a collaborative working approach and tips for writing an award winning entry.

For this edition of the podcast, Farida Khawaja caught up with Gerald Enuezie of Barts Health NHS Trust who were short-listed in HFMA's 2022 national costing award. Gerald shares the journey that finance and clinical teams have been on together to develop interactive dashboards, demonstrating the result of fantastic collaboration between the two teams.

For this edition of the podcast, Mark Orchard caught up with the HFMA's 2022 president, Lee Bond. They cover a variety of topics, from Lee's presidential theme 'Strength in Numbers', his career, interests and more!

For the 50th edition of the HFMAtalk podcast, Sarah Day caught up with Paul Butterworth, the Director of Strategic Financial Management at Macmillan Cancer Support. They discussed the role of social investment within the NHS, in particular end of life care for cancer patients. Learn more about how it works, the successes Paul has seen so far, how it is measured and how Macmillan has partnered with Social Finance to build the business case.

In this latest episode, Sarah Day catches up with Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the National Specialty Adviser for Tobacco Dependency at NHS England, Chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group and a Consultant in Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine. Sanjay discusses the NHS tobacco dependency prevention programme and health inequalities.  The HFMA has published an accompanying briefing: 'Investing to reduce tobacco usage and tackle associated health inequalities' - read it here: https://www.hfma.org.uk/publications/details/investing-to-reduce-tobacco-usage-and-tackle-associated-health-inequalities 

We’re joined by three digital leaders in the NHS, Nicci Briggs, Mike Emery, and Sonia Patel for a conversation about the role of digital technology in helping the NHS overcome its challenges. They discuss the importance of setting solid foundations for digital transformation, the opportunities presented by the introduction of integrated care systems, and ways that the NHS can attract and retain a talented workforce to drive forward the digital agenda. 

In this episode we are joined by finance leaders to discuss in detail how financial reporting and accountability arrangements work since the introduction of integrated care systems. This is a supplementary recording to the episode, An introduction to NHS finance. You can listen to the full main episode here.

In this episode we are joined by finance leaders to discuss in detail how the money flows across healthcare systems in terms of allocations, spending, and contracting arrangements. This is a supplementary recording to the episode, An introduction to NHS finance. You can listen to the full main episode here.

In this episode we are joined by finance leaders to discuss in detail the role of the integrated care board, and how this fits in with the integrated care partnership, provider collaboratives and place. This is a supplementary recording to the episode, an introduction to NHS finance. You can listen to the full main episode here.

In this episode we are joined by national, regional, and local finance leaders from across different healthcare systems to discuss the key things to know regarding the current NHS finance regime.  The topics covered include the current financial context, the role of new statutory bodies such as the integrated care board and integrated care partnership, how finances flow across systems, reporting and accountability, and where you can find further support. As part of this episode there are additional supplementary recordings available which provide more detail on some of the key topics. Please also refer to the HFMA introductory guide to NHS finance for a comprehensive overview of the NHS finance regime Additional episodes: The role of the integrated care board Allocations and spending Reporting and accountability

In this latest 'In conversation with...' episode, Mark Orchard catches up with Nicci Briggs, chief finance officer at the newly-created Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board, and winner of the NHS finance director of the year at the HFMA Awards 2021. They discuss Nicci's new role, her career story so far, and what it meant to her to be named as finance director of the year.

HFMAtalk speaks to Bill Sivewright, chief executive, and Dr Phil Hyde, medical lead for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. They discuss the vital role of the air ambulance in supporting NHS services and caring for patients and how the success of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance operating model has led to it being rolled out in other areas across the country.  

Mark Orchard speaks to Bill Shields, chief financial officer at Bermuda Health Board. Bill discusses his long and successful NHS finance career, his move to Bermuda, and what the future may hold for him, as well as reflecting on the factors that have shaped his career so far. 

The MedTech funding mandate was launched in April 2021 with the aim of getting NICE approved medical devices, diagnostics and digital products to the NHS frontline quicker and with fewer barriers. In this episode Sarah Tyers, policy lead for the MedTech funding mandate at NHS England and NHS Improvement, discusses what the mandate is, how finance and commissioners can utilise it, and some of the innovations that have already been implemented since it was launched. This episode forms part of the HFMA's Delivering value with digital technologies work programme, supported by Health Education England. 

Alexis Percival, environmental and sustainability manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Dr Aarti Bansal, GP and founder of the Greener Practice Network, both have leading sustainability roles within Humber Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership. In this episode, they discuss how integrated care systems can drive sustainability, the healthcare impacts and benefits, and how the finance function particularly needs to play a leading role in this absolutely vital agenda.

In this episode, Jonathan Webb, lead director of finance at West Yorkshire Integrated Care System, Jane Hazelgrave, director of finance at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, and Dawn Hanwell, chief finance officer and deputy chief executive at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, reflect on how system working has progressed in their ICS, lessons they have learned, and what the future holds as they move forward.

Addressing health inequalities has been recognised as a key priority for the NHS. In this episode, Dr Bola Owolabi, director for health inequalities at NHS England and NHS Improvement; Hannah Witty, CFO at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; and Duncan Orme, acting CFO at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, discuss health inequalities and the key role held by finance professionals in working to address them.

Series host Mark Orchard speaks to Owen Harkin, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Estates at Northern Health and Social Care Trust, and HFMA President 2021/22. Owen talks about his career and also also looks ahead to his role as HFMA President, discussing his presidential theme, his aims for the association, and what members can expect over the next 12 months. 

Senior leaders from across health and social care take part in a roundtable discussion on the future financial sustainability of the sector and the challenges facing integrated care systems. The roundtable was held jointly by the HFMA and CIPFA on 21 July 2021. A briefing summarising the discussion in more detail is also available here. A full list of the roundtable participants can be accessed in the briefing.

In this latest episode, Mark Orchard speaks to the most senior NHS finance professional in England, Julian Kelly, chief finance officer for NHS England and Improvement. Julian reflects on his career journey, what motivates him, and what it has been like to lead the NHS finance profession through one of the most challenging periods in the health service’s history. This episode was recorded on Friday 16 July 2021

Mark Orchard speaks to Professor Alan Brace, former director of finance in the department of health and social care within the Welsh government, and 2014 HFMA Finance Director of the Year. Newly retired, Alan reflects on his journey, his experience working in a variety of senior finance roles within his local Welsh community, and what he is most proud of as he looks back on a fantastic career.

Series host Mark Orchard speaks to Paul Baumann CBE, receiver general and chapter clerk for Westminster Abbey and former chief financial officer for NHS England. Throughout his career Paul has spent more than 30 years in senior finance roles both within the NHS and within the private sector. In a fascinating conversation, Paul discusses his career journey, his love of music, his brief acting career, and much more.