HFMAtalk

This episode is the second of the mini-series focusing on NHS finance career stories where we explore the diverse journeys of finance professionals across the NHS. Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA, will be speaking to people at different stages of their careers and from organisations around the country to discuss the experiences, challenges, opportunities and lessons that have shaped their unique career paths. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Ayesha Ahmed, finance assistant at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Guy Dakin, senior management accountant at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Sofiya Khan-Ringshaw, corporate business partner and transformation accountant at North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

This episode is the first of a mini-series focusing on NHS finance career stories where we explore the diverse journeys of finance professionals from across the NHS. Lisa Robertson, senior policy manager at the HFMA, will be speaking to people at different stages of their careers and from organisations around the country to discuss the experiences, challenges, opportunities and lessons that have shaped their unique career paths. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Amy Whitaker, chief finance officer at Mid Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust and Madi Parmar, chief finance officer at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.

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 emily.simmonds@hfma.org.uk . You 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.