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For those of you who do not yet know me (although
I’m sure you’ll be hearing a lot more from me
over the next year!) I’m Martina and I am the new Chair
of the National Student Forum.
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I am very much looking forward to my forthcoming year as Chair
– I’m sure it will be challenging but also exciting
and I hope to continue the success that Jane has already established.
I am sure I can achieve this with the support of the brilliant team
who make up the NSF and the continuing encouragement and assistance
from CIPFA.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jane for being
a fantastic and inspirational Chair. Her hard work, commitment and
enthusiasm have created a strong and vibrant foundation to the NSF
and it will be a tough act for me to follow.
If you would like to contact me directly my email address is martinalee@southend.gov.uk
or you can email the NSF regarding any student issue on nsf@cipfa.org.
You can also check out the NSF website for further information on
www.cipfa.org.uk/eandt/nsf/index.cfm
Martina Lee
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
Sunny Khaira, Consultant IPF
Being asked to do a presentation about being an Accountant a year
after qualifying, at the university I studied the CIPFA qualification
was quite an honour. I took up the challenge along with a former
CIPFA lecturer Martin Rees-Jones, now working as a Finance Manager
for Highways, Transportation and Waste Management in a large County
Council.
Nottingham Trent University has a special timetable for their Accounting
and Finance course. The two-day programme allows first year undergraduate
students to attend presentations from various individuals doing
different types of work within the accounting profession. The benefits
for the students are that they can enhance their understanding of
accounting, the various career opportunities and challenges that
exist and be able to answer the question: What do Accountants do?
A taxing question even for us accountants to answer!!
The essence of the presentations was to tell the students our own
personal story, namely what we have done in our own career to date.
Generally undergraduate students are quite unaware of the variety
of opportunities and career options available to them with an accounting
degree/qualification. Both Martin and I spoke for 45 minutes about
our careers to date, the impact and opportunities that we have had
through studying for the CIPFA qualification and how varied the
life of an accountant can be. I focussed on the different roles
I had undertaken as an accountant, which include working in a number
of departments in a local authority and a variety of finance and
non-finance related projects as a consultant for IPF.
The presentations stressed the importance of the ‘softer’
skills that we have found useful in our careers. These included
things such as working in groups, managing our own time, good communication
and presentation skills, carrying out our own research and evaluating
evidence and being a critical thinker, and that being an Accountant
was not just about having technical expertise.
Individuals working as accountants in the following organisations,
Sheffield United, Bristol Myers Squibb, Rolls Royce, Leicestershire
County Council and PriceWaterhouseCoopers also gave presentations
about their careers over the two days. The presentations were very
well received and feedback indicated that the variety of work undertaken
as a CIPFA accountant was very inspiring!
For further information about studying at Nottingham Trent University
please contact Ian Bowler – CIPFA Course Leader. For general
information about CIPFA please contact a member of the NSF.
Hopefully, some of you managed to meet the NSF at
either the Careers Conference in Brighton, or at the NSF/ACIPFAL
Conference in Newcastle.
We hope that the days were both informative and enjoyable and provided
an excellent opportunity to meet fellow students and newly qualifieds
in an informal and relaxed environment.
We would also like to thank all of those students who took the
time to fill in the questionnaires at the end of day. We will be
taking all of your comments on board and using these to help to
improve events run in the future.
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Marks out of five |
| Conditions |
Venue |
4.3 |
| Food |
3.9 |
| Event Organisation |
4.3 |
| Speakers |
NSF |
3.9 |
| Ian Bowler |
4.4 |
| IPDS |
4 |
| NE Students |
3.5 |
| Stress Management |
4.7 |
| Hilary Daniels |
4.1 |
The NSF would like to send a couple of huge thanks with respect
to the NSF conference in June.
Firstly, we would like to thank all of those who presented, and
most of all, all of those students who attended the event and make
it the success it was.
The gathering of over 120 CIPFA students was the largest of its
kind – ever.
We hope that those who attended found it both informative and enjoyable
and we look forward to running more such events in the future.
A Visitor’s Thoughts – Ravi Lakhani,
a Certificate Student at Leicester City Council gives a students-eye
view of the NSF conference.
June 30th – NSF conference
The first day of the conference was the NSF conference aimed at
students. The whole day was very well thought out, with it covering
a wide range of issues that students might be interested in.
The morning kicked off with a talk from the NSF. This explained
how the NSF came about, where it is currently at and the future
of the NSF. I found this talk to be extremely useful as I was unsure
as to what exactly the NSF did, so this cleared a few issues up.
This was then followed by an excellent talk by Ian Bowler (Nottingham
Trent University). The main focus of the talk was on study techniques
and although a lot of it was, perhaps, things that we are already
doing, there were a few things that will certainly help when preparing
for the exams. Ian finished with some extracts of what students
had written in exams, which were highly amusing.
The afternoon was filled with, among other things, a talk by Reed
employment agency on how to handle stress, which I feel is very
useful for CIPFA trainees!
A talk was also given by the CIPFA president, on her career to date,
which as a certificate level student I found very useful as it gave
me an idea of where I might want to go in my future career.
Overall I felt it was a worthwhile visit and would highly recommend
CIPFA students to attend future conferences.
You may remember receiving a request for you to nominate
a lecturer that has gone that extra distance and those that deserve
special recognition for their hard work for students and CIPFA?
Well, at the ACIPFAL gala dinner in Newcastle, Nottingham Trent
University lecturer Graham Ball received this year’s award.
Graham started his working life as a waiter and trainee chef before
choosing the ‘easy life’ of Local Government (his words,
not ours!).
Qualifying in 1974 and leaving Local Government as a Treasurer,
Graham moved into teaching at Nottingham in 1991, focusing on the
management accounting aspect of the qualification.
In the past, he has also acted as course leader for CIPFA qualification
at the university.
Reasons for his nomination included:
- “ Not afraid to sacrifice his own popularity with the
students if it meant getting the students through.”
- “ His willingness to give up his weekends and holidays
to run crash revision courses and to help students through their
project.”
- “ His work championing the students cause, never being
afraid to speak his mind when putting forward his views on how
things should be run in order to strengthen both the teaching
process and the institute itself.”
We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Graham
on receiving this award.
So, even though it is well in advance, please start thinking about
a lecturer who you think deserves to win next year’s award.
Please post your nominations and reasons for nominating to any members
of the NSF, or directly to the NSF email address: nsf@cipfa.org
The following information details activities being
conducted by the various regions for their students. All you have
to do is locate your region and get involved!
North East Region
The North East Region is looking for volunteers to start up a new
North East Student Society, with one based in the south of the region
(in the Sheffield/Leeds area) and one based in the north (Newcastle/Durham).
If you feel that you are up to the challenge, interested in making
a difference and good friends too, then please contact Claire Gravil
at claire.gravil@dbh.nhs.uk.
We will be hopefully be able to hold our first meeting in the next
few months, and we will look forward to seeing you soon.
Claire Gravil
Doncaster & Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust
CIM (Cipfa in the Midlands)
Calling all students in the Midlands
A new student union is set to be created in the Midlands region
which will aim to give students the opportunity to meet, raise problems
that affect them on a local level, hold student orientated events
and strengthen the links between students and their regional council.
The union is set to be launched in October 2004, with a daylong
event focussed on skills and career development. The event will
provisionally include speakers from CIPFA, public sector employers
and a skills workshop. Full details will be circulated nearer the
time.
A small group of students has already got together to help set
up the union, however any further offers of help are always welcome.
These and any suggestions on the future shape of the union can be
sent to Richard Beckett at the following address:
richard.beckett@nottscc.gov.uk
Richard Beckett
Nottinghamshire County Council
CIPFA NWNW Student Forum
The NWNW Student Forum was founded in January 2003 with the aim
of providing support and services to students in the region. Student
volunteers coming from a range of public sector organisations run
the Forum. Since its formation the forum has organised many successful
events providing education, training and opportunities for students
across the region to meet and network. Details of the student forum
and its activities can be found on the regional website at www.cipfa.org/regions/nw/students.
Jenny Sinnott
City Hospital NHS Trust.
CIPFA NWNW Student Forum: Exam Techniques, IPDS and CPD
Seminar
On Friday 14th May 2004 over 80 students from throughout the North
West and North Wales gathered at the University of Manchester hoping
to discover the secrets of exam success, how to approach the Initial
Professional Development Scheme and Continuing Professional Development.
The morning started with award winning lecturer Ian Bowler who
gave an entertaining presentation on examination techniques and
provided students with lots of useful tips and ideas for the forthcoming
exams.
This was followed by an informative presentation by Rona Sutherland
and Rebecca Bazeley on the new Initial Professional Development
Scheme and mandatory Continuing Professional Development. This useful
overview of the requirements of the scheme answered many questions,
put a few minds at rest and hopefully prompted students to start
completing their logbooks!
Overall, the day was a great success with lots of positive feedback
and suggestions for future events from attendees.
CIPFA London & South
CIPFA London Division welcomes all students and employers to its
latest seminar programme to be held on Thursday August 26th at 2pm
in Guy's Tower, next to London Bridge Station. This is a chance
to see what the London Division does on behalf of its membership
- and to meet other CIPFA students and members.
The afternoon session will comprise informative presentations /
sessions on the new (and compulsory for all new and transitional
students) IPDS, and the CPD scheme which shortly is intended to
be compulsory for all qualifieds. There will be an opportunity for
the audience to ask questions, plus any informative discussion arising.
There will also be a further presentation on the work and applicability
of CIPFA's "Members & Students Development Board".
After the afternoon session a complementary buffet and bar will
be available, with the Programme finishing at around 6pm.
Please contact Johanna Taylor for further information at: johanna.taylor@swlondon.nhs.uk
Johanna Taylor
Wandsworth Primary Care Trust
On Friday 18th June a group of CIPFA trainees from
Northern England and North Wales gathered at a Mountain Centre in
Corris, a village in the Snowdonia National Park for a 2-day team-building
event. Coming from as far a field as Blackpool, Durham, Sunderland,
Leeds and Bolton this hardy bunch of students had decided to give
up a weekend to develop their team working skills.
Jenny Sinnott reveals all. jenny.sinnott@btopenworld.com
Friday Night
Dividing the attendees into teams they embarked on four challenging
puzzles in an attempt to break the ice. Puzzles included building
pyramids with ping-pong balls and solving brainteasers! After solving
these puzzles teams sat down to socialise and evaluate their performance,
over a drink or two!
Saturday
The first challenge of the day was a 2-hour navigation (orienteering)
exercise around a nearby forest. On receiving their stage instructions,
teams were required to develop a strategy to achieve the required
objectives – to visit a number of compulsory checkpoints and
collect bonus points along the course, all against the commodity
of ‘time’.
Designed to develop team working, the teams had to initially evaluate
the stage instructions. Teams that quickly understood the requirements
of this exercise developed a strategy based on each other’s
strengths and weaknesses, and made efficient and effective use of
their time.
The afternoon activities were centred around the ‘hub’
of the mountain centre where the students were based. The ‘hub’
works along the lines of the old Channel 4 show ‘The Crystal
Maze’, where teams could choose from several mental, physical
and skills tasks. These tasks included a timed climb up a 15-foot
wire ladder, travelling on a zip wire across a ravine, shooting
targets with an air rifle and solving word puzzles.
There was one compulsory activity that had to be undertaken. Under
the strict supervision of the centre manager teams were led part
way into a disused slate mine, then had their only source of light
(one torch) taken away from them. In the dark the teams had to work
as a close unit, providing support, guidance and direction to avoid
the low ceiling within the mine and find their task further along.
The task was to memorise a range of items. Having had a short period
to do this they again had to lead themselves out of the mine –
in the dark – until they could pick their torch up. On exiting
the mine the teams had to remember as many of the items as possible.
The more they got right the greater the time bonus.
After a few hours rest brainpower was again called into action
for a short quiz organised by the NWNW Student Forum members. A
brief evaluation exercise of the day’s events and team performances
was completed before de-camping to the local pub to enjoy a well
earned drink and indulge in a mini pool tournament.
Sunday
The students awoke to face another orienteering challenge, this
time taking in some of the notable local attractions. In solving
questions at locations around the course the teams collected answers
to help them solve an anagram. Giving the correct answer to the
anagram gained the participants entry into the final challenge –
abseiling in a local quarry.
Three abseil routes had been set up, under close supervision of
the mountain centre staff, to cater for all abilities. Several people
overcame personal fears in order to complete this challenge with
the assistance and encouragement of their team and fellow participants.
The feeling of great satisfaction and achievement was evident.
After a final evaluation session, students made their way home.
The students who attended this event developed their:
- Teambuilding / working skills
- Networking – contacts have been established
- The importance of devising a plan / strategy
- Problem solving in groups
- Other student’s issues and priorities
…And perhaps most importantly developed these skills and
appreciations by having fun!
Dave Sexton, ACIPFAL Chairman, looks back on his involvement with
the NSF since its inception two years ago.
Reflecting on the 24 months since the conception of the NSF I must
pinch myself to check my sense of reality. Returning from the biggest
gathering of CIPFA students ever (I think) in Newcastle, and an
excellent event buzzing with enthusiasm, it is hard to remember
that the NSF has only been with us for two years. Yet in that short
space of time it has driven student issues to the top of the Institute’s
agenda, and with the new Chairman (Martina Lee) sitting on Council
and the Past Chairman (Jane Cuthbertson) elected to Council in her
own right, CIPFA students are now in the enviable situation of real
influence. This is only right I hear you cry, after all, the student
body is the lifeblood of any institute, but many institutes don’t
hold that view.
I have had the pleasure of working on the NSF since Edinburgh,
and it is with much sadness that I find the Newcastle conference
was my swansong. Life moves on, and I am delighted that the wonderful
Ian Bowler from Nottingham Trent University will take my place in
giving provider support to the NSF.
The NSF really has been a breath of fresh air in so many ways.
All the individuals involved have proved themselves exceptional,
and have risen to every challenge set them. To write and deliver
presentations to your institute President, Chief Executive, Past
President, a whole host of directors and lecturers, not to mention
over a hundred students, is quite amazing, let alone whilst continuing
to study hard at certificate or diploma.
Yet it is the influence behind the scenes, in meetings and conversations,
that the NSF has truly excelled, and it is there that they can raise
and resolve student issues. They can continue to champion student
societies in every area where CIPFA is studied, spreading best practise,
and ensuring that student support is of the highest quality. But
they can only succeed with the ongoing support of the student body
and existing student societies, so if you want to make a difference
then get involved, there is no excuse! From experience I can guarantee
you will build new skills, have a good deal of fun, and give your
career a boost to boot!
The NSF not only work hard, but they rightly enjoy themselves as
well. I have great memories of pyjamas on the Strand, denim in Cardiff,
bridges, tee-shirts and rugby shirts in Newcastle, phone boxes in
Edinburgh, steps in Dublin......... and many, many more!
Thanks NSFers, and best of luck for the future!
Dave Sexton, ACIPFAL Chairman, Course Leader at Anglia Polytechnic
University.
North East Region:
Jane Cuthbertson: jane.cuthbertson@northtyneside.gov.uk
Jayne Stephenson: jayne.stephenson@trafford.gov.uk
Alexandra Reddig: alexandra.reddig@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
Liz Exley: elizabeth.exley@leeds.gov.uk
Claire Gravil: claire.gravil@dbh.nhs.uk
Midlands:
Richard Beckett: richard.beckett@nottscc.gov.uk
Stephen Hinds: hinds001@leicester.gov.uk
Scotland:
Suzanne MacDonald: suzanne.macdonald@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
North West/North Wales:
Jenny Sinnott: jenny.sinnott@btopenworld.com
South East:
Martina Lee: martinalee@southend.gov.uk
Natalie Kite: Natalie.Kite@essexcc.gov.uk
Helen Rushforth: h-rushforth@audit-commission.gov.uk
Johanna Taylor: johanna.taylor@swlondon.nhs.uk
South Wales/West of England:
Jenny Adair: Jennifer.adair@torfaen.gov.uk
Northern Ireland:
Joy Hadden: jhadden@rdc.org.uk
CIPFA Board for the Regions:
Dermot Byrne: Dermot.Byrne@finance.gov.ie
ACIPFAL:
Ian Bowler: Ian.Bowler@ntu.ac.uk
GENERIC ADDRESS:
NSF NSF@cipfa.org
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