July 2024 - update

Please find attached a guide to the services offered by the North West Leadership Academy for Finance professionals across the North West region.

Click here to see the guide

Value Maker Annual Conference - are you joining us?

We are especially excited about this year's Value Maker Conference, many of the sessions have been confirmed, and you can view the draft agenda here.

If you cannot attend the event in person, register to join us online and dip in and out of the sessions to fit around your working day.

Date: November 7, 09:30 - 16:30. 

Book your virtual place here.

Book your face-to-face place here.

Open to all current Value Makers and anyone interested in the network.

Celebrating 10 years of the Value Maker Network! 

As the SRO for Value Makers, I am so proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this wonderful network. Launched in 2014, the Value Maker network aimed to build a community of finance professionals committed to improving NHS services through networking, collaboration and learning from each other. Over the last 10 years, we have seen this group of individuals passionate about NHS finance and staff development grow to over 3000 members; their commitment to making a difference has been truly infectious.

One of the key successes of the Value Makers initiative is its emphasis on community and collaboration. By bringing together finance professionals from across the NHS, Value Makers have created a vibrant network where ideas are shared, challenges are discussed, and solutions are collaboratively developed. Like we always say, “There’s no point in reinventing the wheel”. Sharing ideas and information and supporting one another is what the Value Maker network is all about.

Reflections from the first Value Makers

We reached out to the original 2014 Value Makers cohort to hear about their experiences, challenges, and highlights within the Value Maker Network. Read their reflections here: Celebrating 10 years of the Value Maker Network! 

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to shaping the network. Here’s to a decade of growth, collaboration, and shared success!

The Skills Development Network brings together training and development opportunities for Finance, Procurement and Digital staff across the whole of the NHS.

Please find below the events currently open for bookings in July on the Skills Development Network website

About the HFMA

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) is the professional body for finance staff working in healthcare. For over 70 years it has provided independent support and guidance to its members and the wider healthcare community.

It is a charitable organisation that promotes the highest professional standards and innovation in financial management and governance across the UK health economy through its local and national networks. The association analyses and responds to national policy and aims to exert influence in shaping the healthcare agenda. It also works with other organisations with shared aims in order to promote financial management and governance approaches that really are fit for purpose and effective.

The HFMA is the biggest provider of healthcare finance and business education and training in the UK. It offers a range of professional qualifications in both healthcare business and finance, and primary care management, which also provide a route to an MBA in healthcare finance. The association is also an accredited provider of continuing professional development, delivered through a range of events, e-learning and training.

HFMA annual conference 2024 

We return to London for the HFMA annual conference in December 2024. HFMA members, associates and friends will reunite for the biggest and most prestigious HFMA event of the NHS finance calendar. The programme will deliver the very latest insight, thought leadership and professional development.

Key speakers

• Louis Theroux - documentary presenter
• Suzanne Tracey - former HFMA president
• Julian Kelly - deputy chief executive and chief financial officer, NHS England
• Jane Tomkinson OBE - chief executive officer, Countess of Chester Hospital
• Paul Johnson – director of the institute, Fiscal Studies.

CPD accredited

2-6 December | 5 days | London and online

Book now

Can't attend in person? No problem! We understand that not everyone can make it to London, which is why we are offering an online license option. With this option, you can:

• access all keynote sessions and workshops live or on-demand

• participate in exclusive online-only workshops and discussions

• replay any session at your convenience with unlimited access

• download presentation materials and additional resources

• participate in interactive Q&A sessions with speakers

• earn continuing professional development CPD.

Dates for your diary

Environmental sustainability series 2024

1-3 July | 3 days | webinar series

Free for HFMA partners

This series of webinars, taking place until Wednesday will highlight good practice in the NHS and the range of benefits that embedding environmental and social sustainability offers.

Working as one - the international perspective - New York

8 July | 15.15 | webinar

Free for NHS staff

Join Jason Helgeson, a central figure in the development of New York's Integrated Care System (ICS), for an insightful webinar on building lasting relationships in healthcare.

Healthcare in the community forum 2024

9 July | 1 day | online

Free for HFMA partners

This inaugural online forum for the healthcare in the community network will provide attendees with an update on key topics for community trusts. The event will cover an update on virtual wards, national policy updates and case studies.

HFMA Deputy Finance Director of the Year award winner

11 July | 12.00 | webinar

Free for NHS staff

HFMA deputy finance director of the year award winner Sophie Harrison brings over 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles across the public sector and will share her story with us, the journey, achievements and ensuring the patient remains the focus of all activities.

Improvement and value – a look at the work of NHS Impact

17 July | 15.45 | webinar

Free for NHS staff

In this session Dr Amar Shah, national clinical director for improvement, NHS England and chief quality officer, East London NHS Foundation Trust will introduce the work of NHS Impact which has been launched to support all NHS organisations, systems and providers at every level, to have the skills and techniques to deliver continuous improvement.

Workforce conference 2024

19 September | 1 day | London

Discounted rates for HFMA partners

This event will bring together healthcare professionals to address the challenges and discuss the issues outlined in the Long-Term Workforce Plan. It will provide attendees with updates on the latest policy, practical case studies directly from the NHS community, and best practice approaches from Dr Gary Kaplan, immediate past CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

ICB forum

24 September | 1 day | London

Free for HFMA partners

Delivered as part of the ICB finance network, this annual face-to-face event for all staff working in ICBs will offer keynotes and case studies exploring how the finance function can help deliver an integrated health system, including a closing keynote from Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, chair, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board.

Mental health and learning disabilities conference 2024

11 October | 1 day | London

Free for HFMA partners

The HFMA mental health and learning disabilities finance conference brings together health and care finance colleagues nationally. You can expect a programme of high-level briefings, technical updates and patient focused content to leave you feeling energised, including an opening keynote from Claire Murdoch, national director for mental health, NHS England

View all of our upcoming events here, including those hosted by your local HFMA branch.

The HFMA is now on TikTok – follow us for news and policy explainers, a behind-the-scenes look at HFMA events, and member stories.

2023/24 year-end survey - let us know how this year was!

Were you involved in the preparation or audit of the annual report and accounts 2023/24?

We have now been running our year-end survey for 10 years - it would be great to have a really good response rate to celebrate that. Your responses will be shared with regulators as well as auditors and will be used to shape our year-end materials including the pre-accounts planning conference.

The survey is open to all involved in the preparation and audit of the annual report and accounts – preparers and auditors. Responses can be anonymous if you want, if you do give us your contact details it will only be used to clarify your answers and will never be shared outside of the HFMA. 

The survey can be completed from your personal perspective or as a representative of your organisation. We think that it should take 10 minutes to complete but you can answer as many or as few questions as you want. 

To complete the survey click here.

Each year, the HFMA Awards brings together colleagues from across the country to celebrate and honour the achievements of individuals and teams in NHS finance.

By submitting a nomination, you are ensuring that those who are committed to excellence and innovation are given the opportunity to not only be awarded but to share their success and inspire others within the community.

All 13 of our awards showcase different areas of excellence within healthcare finance. Take a look at our full list of awards you can submit nominations for, below.

The deadline for submitting entries is Friday 27 September.

HFMA Awards 2024 categories

Addressing health inequalities through NHS finance action awardThis award recognises NHS finance teams that are making an active contribution to their organisation’s and/or system’s efforts to tackle health inequalities.

Costing award This award focuses on improvements in costing processes and costing processes.

Delivering value with digital technologies award This award recognises a project that is innovative and improves value with the aid of digital technologies.

Deputy finance director of the year award This award recognises an individual contribution to financial performance.

Diversity and inclusion award This award recognises a strong, effective and embedded approach to diversity and inclusion.

This category is kindly sponsored by IQVIA.

Environmental sustainability award This award recognises a significant contribution towards improving environmental sustainability in the NHS made by a team, organisation or organisations working together in partnership.

Finance champion of the year award This award, new for 2024, acknowledges the contribution made by those working outside finance departments to the effective management of NHS finances.

Finance director of the year award This award recognises excellence in financial management and leadership.

Finance team of the year award This award recognises the overall contribution of the finance team to the wider organisation.

This category is kindly sponsored by Channel 3 Consulting.

Governance award This award promotes a strong, integrated approach to governance.

This category is kindly sponsored by Prochainmatrix.

Havelock award This award recognises contribution to finance skills development.

Rising star award

It recognises members in bands 2 to 6, equivalent and apprentices who have shown initiative, skill and commitment and who are also making a significant contribution to the effective management of finances in their organisation. Nominations must be made via the HFMA branch network.

Working with finance - clinician of the year award This award acknowledges the importance of clinical engagement in financial management.

Nominate now

Contact kevin.taylor@hfma.org.uk to find out more about sponsoring a category for the HFMA Awards 2024, as well as other sponsorship opportunities.

Hi All

This conference provides a great opportunity for networking and new learning & development, whilst having the opportunity to listen to key senior figures in NHSE finance across the country, they have continually been a success - if you feel you would like to attend, or would like to nominate a colleague, then please complete an application form (alongside reading the FAQs and the detail in the email below).

The regional deadline for applications is midday 29^th August, therefore, please ensure any application is sent into either Sally or myself by close of play Friday 9^th August, so we can lead on and coordinate the trust applications for the limited places supported by NHSE NW.

Any questions give me a shout.

Thanks

Danny

Dear All

We are delighted to announce the release of HFMA North West Branch Annual Conference bursary.  Thanks to the generosity of colleagues at NHS England North West we have a number of full places available for our colleagues across the patch to bid for so that they can attend the HFMA Annual Conference 2024 in London, from Applicants must be able to attend the full conference Wednesday 04-Friday 06 December 2024.

Why should you apply?

The conference will provide a fantastic opportunity to network with finance professionals, to listen to leading figures in NHS finance and world-renowned healthcare speakers, as well meeting senior leaders from across the NHS including Julian Kelly, Chief Finance Officer of NHS England, members of the National finance leadership team as well as many other senior colleagues from across the country.  

Don’t just take our word for it though, watch the promotional videos in the link to hear from: Video link    

• Zoe Pietrzak, Regional Director of Finance NHS England East of England.
• Jeff Buggle, Regional Director of Finance NHS England South West, and NHS England National EDI Lead.
• One of the winners of the competition run by NHS East of England.

In 2023, NHS England North West sponsored 13 staff, and a high level of satisfaction was reported by the delegates, from application to pre-meetings, conference content and meeting their development objectives.  Some of these staff have volunteered and are part of the HFMA NW Band 2-6 committee.

Who can apply and how to apply?

You can do this by nominating yourself or applying on behalf of a colleague.   Please ensure you read the ‘Frequently asked questions’ prior to submitting an application.

If you work at a grade 8a or below and are a member of HFMA (membership is free to all staff in bands 2 to 6 and applications can be made here) you can nominate yourself, or be nominated by a line manager or work colleague, by submitting an application here:

HFMA Annual Conference 2024 - Application form

• If you nominate yourself, please ensure you have the support of your line manager.

• Applicants must be able to attend the full conference Wednesday 04-Friday 06 December 2024.

Closing date for nominations:  Midday - Thursday 29 August 2024

How is the bursary judged?

A panel will review the nominations and award places on merit, ideally ensuring a fair spread across the NW Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

The panel members will include:

1. Nikhil Khashu, Interim Deputy Chief Financial Officer / North West Regional Director of Finance, NHS England  
2. Sam Simpson, Interim Director of Strategic Finance - North West, NHS England  
3. Chris Harrop, Managing Director, MIAA
4. Alice Forkgen, Associate Director of Finance, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation
5. Harry Vlasman and Ryan Ashcroft - previous winners from the 2022 and 2023 competitions.

Support before, during and after the conference

1. Before the event you will be invited to a one-to-one meeting with your Director of Finance.
2. You will be invited to join a series of introductory sessions via Teams to meet NHSE North West senior finance staff and provided with tools for networking and understand what to expect at the conference.
3. You will be assigned a buddy ahead of the conference to help you prepare for the conference. Buddies will be an experienced system partner finance professional to ensure that you are able maximise the networking opportunities.
4. Your buddy will chaperone you at the conference.
5. You will be invited to events after the event with NHSE colleagues and have the opportunity to continue networking with other competition winners.

Supporting documents

• Frequently asked questions and quotes from previous year’s winners.
• HFMA 2024 Application form questions (Word).

Further information about the conference is available on the HFMA website: HFMA annual conference 2024 | HFMA

We received 3 fraud notices from MIAA during June.

These are summarised below.

Please note that the Trust systems have already been checked and are not at risk from the specific frauds identified.

Any questions or queries please let me know.

Regards

Mike Jones

FPC-07-24-25 – Fraudulent Direct Debits

We have been notified by a NW Trust that they have had a few fraudulent Direct Debits set up from a new bank account, some of which were for mobile phone contracts and others to Banking organisations.

The Trust noticed them early, so were able to prevent monies leaving the account.

The banks were Close Brothers, Sainsburys and JP Morgan and in this instance the phone company was EE.

Action to take:

• Undertake regular bank reconciliations, paying particular heed to new Direct Debits.
• Ensure relevant staff are made aware of this fraudster MO, and to remain vigilant.
• Report any local contact with regard to this alert and / or any losses identified to your Anti-Fraud Specialist.

FPC-08-24-25 – Phishing Email (Amazon)

A North West Trust has received an email purporting to be from a ‘Babita Yadav’ from Amazon in relation to ‘unapplied payments’, and which contained a number of links.  The domain name used in the email is @email.amazon.com, which is not correct according to the Amazon website which states:

“Amazon e-mails will always come from an address that ends @amazon.co.uk (e.g. shipment-tracking@amazon.co.uk, auto-confirm@amazon.co.uk, no-reply@amazon.co.uk).” “Note: The email domain corresponds to the set of letters placed after the @sign in an email address. Fraudulent emails are designed to look like they come from Amazon, however, the email domain can never be duplicated.”

Actions to take:

1. If your organisation uses Amazon, please review any recent or ongoing communications to check whether it has been or is genuine.  If in doubt, please refer to the Amazon website and report your suspicions Identifying a scam - Amazon Customer Service.  Staff are advised to follow the organisations’s policy with regard to the handling of suspicious emails.  Suspicious emails may also be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk and spamreports@nhs.net.
2. Ensure relevant staff are made aware of this alert.
3. Check whether any emails have been received into the organisation from @email.amazon.com and, if possible, block it locally.
4. Report any attempts, losses or local concerns to the Anti-Fraud Specialist.

FPC-09-24-25 – Mandate Fraud (Altera Health)

We have been notified of a fraud attempt in relation to Altera Digital Health (they provide the EPR system to NHS organisations which holds patient information, medical history and medications prescribed etc).

Altera Digital Health has seen a recent increase in fraudulent attempts requesting clients to change banking information for payments to be made to Altera (no fraudulent email address(es) or bank account details have been provided by Altera).

They have not changed their bank account details in the last few months.

Action to take:

• Check whether Altera Digital Health are a supplier and, if so, review any recent or ongoing communications from the organisation to ensure this is with the genuine supplier.
• Ensure relevant staff are made aware of this fraudster MO, and to remain vigilant for any mandate change request.
• Report any local contact with regard to this alert and / or any losses identified to your Anti-Fraud Specialist.

July Update

Please find attached a fraud information alert in relation to CEO fraud, issued by our Anti-Fraud Specialist.

Take a few minutes to read it and familiarise yourself with the content.

Click here to view the SDN vacancies: NHS Skills Development Network (NHS SDN)

PROCUREMENT VACANCY: 

Please see below link to a Senior Buyer (band 5) vacancy working within the Procurement function.

The vacancy can be accessed via the link below.

https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/working-for-us/our-current-vacancies#!/job/UK/Merseyside/Warrington/Mersey_Care_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Procurement/Procurement-v6457174?_ts=360

If you would like any further information or a discussion on this role – please contact Paul Harrison via email or Teams. 

(NOW CLOSED) Expression of Interest - Band 7 Finance Business Partner, Secure Care Division

We are inviting expressions of interest to fill a Finance Business Partner role (B7) in the Secure Care Division.

The secure division have another exciting year coming up, having recently opened a new hospital we will be developing our next business case for a large scale capital project.

The role will work across the whole division, delivering support to secure inpatient services, LD services, community, prison & probation services – working with operational & clinical colleagues as well as commissioning colleagues.

This opportunity is aimed at existing band 7 roles. 

For an informal discussion on this role please contact Sandip or Danny. Alternatively, submit an expression of interest directly to Sandip outlining the reason for your application.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 5^th July.

Please note, interested parties need to seek support from their current line manager before making a submission.

Many thanks

Sandip & Danny

Vacancy for a Procure 2 Pay Assistant Band 3

Financial Services and Procurement

Permanent

Hours

• Full time
• Home or remote working

37.5 hours per week (Some home/remote working is expected)

Please see the full details by following this link to the current vacancies. Current vacancies :: YourSpace Mersey Care