Comment / Making introductions

The new NHS finance introductory guide has just been released and is available now from the HFMA online shop. I know many of you regard this as the unofficial bible of NHS finance.

However, unlike the holy book, the guide changes frequently and this edition is no different. It’s a great resource to give to your various managers, board colleagues and staff to supplement the e-learning and other resources HFMA provides.

We are now in the thick of our autumn programme, with summer a dimming memory and conferences going on everywhere from the South West right up to Scotland.

Our president has had a very successful year encouraging our members to Step up and there are still places available on our wide range of programmes to support her year. Mentoring is a key theme, with more than 50 booked onto these programmes. And look out for the various different development sessions being planned and funded at branch level.

The 2016 annual conference programme looks very good – please keep your eyes peeled for announcements regarding important speakers.

It’s still the number one gathering for NHS finance professionals and I’m grateful for everyone’s support in making it the event it has become. We are fortunate to have some strong speakers from a whole range of areas, alongside the usual panel of system leaders.The annual dinner, at which our industry awards are presented, is still a highlight.

At the time of writing, the indications are that we will have a strong group of entries for these awards, with the powerhouse of the North West region hoping to cling onto their title of unofficial kings and queens of the medals table.

Of course for members working in the service, you have precious little time to think as the deadlines come in thick and fast – particularly in England, where the sustainability and transformation planning process is in full swing.

That’s why I’m so grateful for all those who can attend the networking and committee meetings we hold. HFMA policy director Paul Briddock and his team have a heavy schedule of work, not just in the high-profile areas but in vital, more ‘under the radar’ areas such as costing, financial accounting and governance.

My colleague Alison Myles, HFMA director of education, is working hard with her team of staff and consultants to develop the HFMA qualification. We were bowled over by the response to the invitation to pilot the initial modules and a few dozen brave souls will be starting that from November onwards.

We are slightly later than planned because of various technical challenges that have arisen. However, we are going to open for registrations for the diploma and the higher diploma on the Thursday of the annual conference. The first students will start studying for the first modules in May 2017 – the end of one journey for us and the start of another that will see the association heading to new places. I would like to thank all of those who have helped get the qualification this far, it’s been a significant undertaking.

Finally, a reminder that new members can pay by monthly direct debit from October onwards.If you can spare a minute to help persuade one of your colleagues, it would be most appreciated, and at £6 per month it’s a small price to pay to receive all that HFMA offers. It might be the best decision you and they make that day!