WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 13.30-14.45

The huge pressures on government bodies to increase efficiency and drive out cost continue.  Delegates heard first hand experience from two major examples of Shared Services initiatives that are making a real difference in helping to meet the Government modernisation agenda, resulting not just is massive cost savings but also with improved support for operational colleagues and end users alike.
Ann Beasley, Director of Finance, HM Prison Service
Peter Coates, Director of Finance and Investment, Department of health
Chaired by Alan Edwards, Partner, Government Advisory, KPMG

This stream focused on the development of local government financial reporting, taking account of progress elsewhere, such as the IASB’s work on management commentary. It included a report on the results of the CIPFA consultation on the First Principles Review. The implications of the adoption of IFRS were also covered.
Ian Carruthers, Technical Director, CIPFA
Lynn Hine, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Successful 21st century organisations focus on the ability to do things differently.  Can place shaping, partnerships and networks deliver effective and sustainable change?
Clive Grace, Honorary Research Fellow Cardiff University
Joe Nellis, Professor of International Management Economics, Cranfield University
Joe Saxton, Driver of Ideas & co-founder, nfpSynergy and Chair, Institute of Fundraising
Chaired by Robin Tye, Ernst & Young

WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 15.15-16.30

Originally developed in manufacturing industry, lean systems ideas are beginning to be applied across government and health to deliver: customer focussed; waste free; and cost efficient services that are therefore, fully CSR 2007 compliant! This session was about how organisations have successfully adapted and applied these ideas as part of their improvement strategies in the UK.
Dr Carlton Brand, Director of Resources, Wiltshire CC
Gill Hammond, Director, Processing PaceSetter Programme, HM Revenue & Customs
Chaired by Brendan McCarron, CIPFA Networks

A session run by the Society of District Council Treasurers for delegates with an interest in district council finance.  Subjects covered included housing, use of resources, income generation, financial planning and reporting.
Input from SDCT lead advisers on each subject matter covered
Chaired by Mary Hawkins, Strategic Director, Warwick District Council

The challenges in operating local strategic partnerships and the move by the Audit Commission to assessments based on areas rather than individual local authorities, was addressed.  Initial results from the Audit Commissions survey on LSPs were also available.
Michael Hughes and Jane Kennedy from the Audit Commission
Advisors from CIPFA’s Performance Improvement Network
Chaired by Prof Tony Bovaird, Institute of Local Government Studies

THURSDAY 19 JUNE 11.15-12.15

As a project and exercise in the importance of excellent financial management, it is hard to imagine a bigger challenge than the 2012 Olympic Games.  The need to maximize the physical, social and economic benefits of the Games adds to that challenge.  We heard from two key figures at the heart of delivering this hugely important project.
David Goldstone, Director, Finance, Olympic Games 
Tom Russell, Group Director for Olympic Legacy, London Development Agency
Chaired by Frances Done, former Chief Executive, Manchester Commonwealth Games

With turnout at elections falling, funding scandals hitting the headlines and politicians less trusted than ever before, this session explored the current themes in revitalizing democracy in the UK, and why it matters for the future of public services. It presented some of the recommendations of the respected “Better Government Initiative” for debate and discussion.
Sir Christopher Foster and other members of the Better Government Initiative
Chaired by a Board Member of the Public Management & Policy Association

Reform of the public services has catapulted Directors of Finance into new leadership challenges. Speakers reflected on their experiences as finance directors.  The findings of CIPFA’s major survey of Directors of Finance across the public services were announced, including what this says about how the role is changing and what will be expected from the next generation of finance leaders.
Chaired by Jon Pittam, County Treasurer, Hampshire CC
The panel will include: Robin Fieth, Executive Director, Finance and Operations, ICAEW; and Sean Nolan, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources, East Sussex County Council