71: CIPFA Speaks: Reforming the SEND system for a stronger future

73: CIPFA Speaks: Shaping AI for public good with OneAdvanced

AI isn’t coming, it’s already here.  But what does that really mean for public finance leaders? How can they adopt AI successfully, shape how its governed and use it to deliver lasting public value?  In this episode of CIPFA Speaks, we sit down with Amanda Grant [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-grant-6b439417/], Chief Product Officer at OneAdvanced [https://www.oneadvanced.com/] and Florence Bastos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/damibastos/], Public Finance Technical Advisor at CIPFA [https://www.cipfa.org/], to explore not if, but how AI is reshaping the public sector.    Tune in to hear practical insights on trust, transparency and preparing finance teams for an AI-enabled future.

72: CIPFA Speaks: Crisis, collaboration and the case for reform

💬"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.

71: CIPFA Speaks: Reforming the SEND system for a stronger future

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.

70: Mission-led growth: Measuring success with monitoring frameworks

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.

69: CIPFA Speaks: Beyond Bots: AI’s role in a better public sector

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