CIPFA Speaks

💬"It is utterly clear that no government can - or should - spend its way out of the challenges we face." As services stretch to breaking point, it’s clear that systemic reform, not just short-term fixes, is the only way forward. 🎙️In this episode of #CIPFASpeaks, we sit down with CIPFA [https://www.cipfa.org/about-cipfa] CEO Owen Mapley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-mapley-036b781a/] to discuss his recent appearance at the Select Committee on Local Government Finance—where he called for a shift towards prevention, collaboration, and bold reform to restore long-term sustainability.  🎧Tune in to hear how public finance leaders can stay principled, innovative, and resilient in the face of rising demand.

Despite a 58% increase in SEND funding, outcomes for children, young people, and families have failed to improve over the past decade. Meanwhile, councils still face immense financial strain.  💭Where is the system falling short, and what can the government do to drive real change?  🎙️In this month’s episode of #CIPFASpeaks, we dive into the urgent reforms needed to create a fairer, more financially sustainable SEND system.   Join Dr. William Burns [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wm-burns/?originalSubdomain=uk], CIPFA’s [https://www.cipfa.org/about-cipfa] Social Care Policy Advisor, and Emma Willson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-willson-342977133/], Director of Education Value for Money at the National Audit Office [https://www.nao.org.uk/], as they break down the key principles for reform. They explore how we can rethink funding models, improve coordination across partners, and transform the role of independent providers.  🎧Tune in to hear expert insights on reforming SEND.

With public sector reform on the cards, robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be essential to turn ambition into real impact. But how can the government effectively assess public spending to drive change? In this month’s episode of CIPFA Speaks, we explore how and why solid monitoring and evaluation frameworks are key to the success of the government's mission-led initiatives, particularly in addressing spatial inequalities and ensuring that public funds are well spent. Join Jeffrey Matsu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymatsu/], CIPFA [https://www.cipfa.org/about-cipfa]’s Chief Economist, and Mara Airoldi [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAAAm1psBHSPJb62JAx9L2h3i1vQ_hS4Lhjk&keywords=mara%20airoldi&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=7d4c4218-3c3a-47ba-9884-e3b871aab8db&sid=vDx&spellCorrectionEnabled=false], Director of the Government Outcomes (GO) Lab at Oxford University [https://golab.bsg.ox.ac.uk/], as they discuss insights from CIPFA’s latest report. They share practical solutions such as standardised data collection, transparent funding, and tools like CIPFA's Nearest Neighbours Model [https://www.bing.com/search?q=CIPFA+Nearest+Neighbours+Model&cvid=a48272230f434fa4bc8403baf230d512&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPDIICAQQ6QcY_FXSAQc1NjhqMGo5qAICsAIB&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531] to help policymakers and finance professionals unlock growth.  🎧 Tune in to discover how effective monitoring and evaluation can champion smarter decision-making and deliver real, sustainable change. Read CIPFA's 'Mission-led growth: a monitoring framework for large-scale government initiatives’ [https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=Mission-led+growth%3A+a+monitoring+framework+for+large-scale+government+initiatives&cvid=b27f9e5dbddb4f7ea8fca2beb381ee47&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDsyBggAEEUYOzIICAEQ6QcY_FXSAQczMTRqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNAB1&PC=U531]report.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies rapidly advance, what does this mean for public services—and how can public finance professionals ensure new technologies truly benefit society? In this month’s episode of CIPFA Speaks, we tackle the transformative potential of AI alongside the ethical and social challenges it poses.  Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lord-chris-holmes/], Paralympic gold medal swimmer and passionate advocate for tech-driven public good, and David Lyford-Tilley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlyfordsmith/], CIPFA's Head of Standards and Technical, join us to explore how AI can drive efficiency, inclusivity, and innovation in public service. They’ll also share insights on the practical considerations for finance professionals: balancing new tech adoption with transparency and accountability.  Tune in to learn how public finance professionals can be at the forefront of responsible AI use in public services, ensuring it benefits all.  #CIPFASpeaks #AIFuture #PublicFinance

Whether it’s threats to democracy or the rise of populism, public trust in governments, the public sector, and public officials is more important than ever. One of the key threats to that trust is corruption. But how can public sector organisations spot and manage corruption risks before they take root? In this month’s episode of CIPFA Speaks, we dive into the vital role of Corruption Risk Management (CRM) in safeguarding public services globally. Join Daniela Sota Valdivia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-sota-valdivia/] from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) [https://www.unodc.org/] and Khalid Hamid [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-hamid-598b7487/], CIPFA [https://www.cipfa.org/]’s Director of International, as they explore the power of leadership in driving lasting change, the importance of a prevention-first approach, and lessons from CIPFA’s Corruption Prevention Programme [https://www.cipfa.org/services/international/cipfas-new-corruption-prevention-programme], including its second pilot in Mauritius.  Tune in to gain expert insights on building corruption-free public services and learn how finance professionals can help protect public trust.