Comment / Let’s keep meeting

Throughout the HFMA’s 60 years we have always been an association.  That may sound an obvious statement, but through our various name changes over the years we have never adopted the title ‘institute’ or ‘society’.  I’d like to think this is because, as an organisation, we essentially want to give the signal that we are about people ‘associating’ and that (we hope) we enjoy each other’s company. 

The social/people side of the HFMA is, I believe, an important part of what makes this organisation special. This is not only in the often vicious and energetic five-a-side football competitions that run from time to time but also in the various meetings, workshops or even just when we are together socially. All these events provide an opportunity for finance professionals to meet and share experiences and have fun together. The relationships that develop from them are an important glue for us and it means the finance community has a reputation for its comradeship and togetherness. 

I know some finance directors are teased by other directors when they go to a ‘weekend school’. However, I also know these same directors wish that there was a coherence about their own professional groupings within the service.

In the straitened times to come, we will no doubt be challenged as to how we can afford the time or money to ‘associate’ together given the increasingly stretched resources of the health service. But it is important we protect such times and ensure that we keep meeting together under the sanctuary of the HFMA banner.  I say this not only from a continuing professional development perspective, but also I suppose from a sanity angle. 

The ability to network and share with other colleagues is vitally important and the mechanism of the HFMA is there for you to take advantage of. The local branch is a good starting point, where you can ‘kick your shoes off’ with other colleagues. However, there’s also the opportunity for you to give something back by making a contribution to the branch – for example, by sitting on the local committee or making a presentation.

I recently accompanied the HFMA president to successful events in Yorkshire and Humber and South Central branches.  Both of these events were well run and the support from the local community was much appreciated. We have also had good numbers of delegates attending national conferences – although, as is the case with branches, we expect numbers to decrease throughout the year.

It is important we keep meeting together for all the reasons I’ve already given. I urge directors to support staff wishing to attend HFMA events to enable them to listen and learn from each other. This is vitally important as we face renewed pressure in the coming months and years.

For our part, I have asked branches to think about how we deliver services to ensure we respond in the right way to the health service’s needs.  As always, any suggestions will be gratefully received.