Skip to main content
HFMAtalk

HFMAtalk

By HFMA

Do you want to keep abreast of the latest in NHS finance and find out what your colleagues around the country are doing when faced with similar challenges?
HFMATalk is the podcast for you. In every episode we will explore the topics that are of interest to you and shine a light on good practice in NHS finance and governance.

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) is the professional body for finance staff working in healthcare. For 70 years it has provided independent support and guidance to its members and the wider healthcare community.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

16: The national response to Covid-19 - A perspective from NHS England & Improvement

HFMAtalkMay 19, 2020

00:00
33:29
56: Navigating the financial year-end
Mar 27, 202426:23
55: In conversation with...Simon Worthington

55: In conversation with...Simon Worthington

In this episode, Mark Orchard spoke with Simon Worthington, director of finance at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. They discussed Simon's impressive career, as well as his key contributions to NHS finance including his work on the aligned incentive contract, working day one reporting and finance team development. You can expect to get valuable insights and learnings from Simon as he shares his experiences in this engaging conversation.

Aug 09, 202352:38
54: Across the pond: comparative healthcare systems in the US

54: Across the pond: comparative healthcare systems in the US

In this latest episode, Lisa Robertson catches up with Caroline Clarke, NHS England’s London regional director, and Lizzie Smith, joint NHS England London Director or Workforce, Education and Training. Reflecting on their recent visits to health systems in New York and Chicago. They share their experience and insights and thank all those in the US who were so generous with their time.

Watch out for the upcoming briefing to accompany the podcast later this month.

Jul 21, 202332:01
53: In conversation with the 2022 finance team of the year award winners

53: In conversation with the 2022 finance team of the year award winners

For this edition of the podcast, HFMA senior policy manager Farida Khawaja caught up with the winners of the 2022 HFMA Finance Team of the Year award, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS Finance Team. Paul Brown (CFO), Martin Richards (head of programme finance for primary care) and Catherine Hope (operational business partner), reflect on their journey as a system, how they achieved a collaborative working approach and tips for writing an award winning entry.

Jun 01, 202324:01
52: How costing can support the efficiency agenda

52: How costing can support the efficiency agenda

For this edition of the podcast, Farida Khawaja caught up with Gerald Enuezie of Barts Health NHS Trust who were short-listed in HFMA's 2022 national costing award. Gerald shares the journey that finance and clinical teams have been on together to develop interactive dashboards, demonstrating the result of fantastic collaboration between the two teams.

Apr 19, 202320:08
51: In conversation with...Lee Bond

51: In conversation with...Lee Bond

For this edition of the podcast, Mark Orchard caught up with the HFMA's 2022 president, Lee Bond. They cover a variety of topics, from Lee's presidential theme 'Strength in Numbers', his career, interests and more!

Mar 09, 202352:48
50: Social investment in the NHS with Paul Butterworth of Macmillan Cancer Support

50: Social investment in the NHS with Paul Butterworth of Macmillan Cancer Support

For the 50th edition of the HFMAtalk podcast, Sarah Day caught up with Paul Butterworth, the Director of Strategic Financial Management at Macmillan Cancer Support. They discussed the role of social investment within the NHS, in particular end of life care for cancer patients. Learn more about how it works, the successes Paul has seen so far, how it is measured and how Macmillan has partnered with Social Finance to build the business case.

Feb 09, 202330:12
49: Tobacco dependency: a conversation with Professor Sanjay Agrawal

49: Tobacco dependency: a conversation with Professor Sanjay Agrawal

In this latest episode, Sarah Day catches up with Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the National Specialty Adviser for Tobacco Dependency at NHS England, Chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group and a Consultant in Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine. Sanjay discusses the NHS tobacco dependency prevention programme and health inequalities. 


The HFMA has published an accompanying briefing: 'Investing to reduce tobacco usage and tackle associated health inequalities' - read it here: https://www.hfma.org.uk/publications/details/investing-to-reduce-tobacco-usage-and-tackle-associated-health-inequalities 



Jan 18, 202319:54
48: How can digital technology help the NHS overcome its challenges

48: How can digital technology help the NHS overcome its challenges

We’re joined by three digital leaders in the NHS, Nicci Briggs, Mike Emery, and Sonia Patel for a conversation about the role of digital technology in helping the NHS overcome its challenges. They discuss the importance of setting solid foundations for digital transformation, the opportunities presented by the introduction of integrated care systems, and ways that the NHS can attract and retain a talented workforce to drive forward the digital agenda. 

Sep 20, 202241:10
47(iii) An introduction to NHS finance – reporting and accountability (supplementary episode)
Aug 10, 202212:47
47(ii) An introduction to NHS finance – allocations and spending (supplementary episode)
Aug 10, 202213:41
47(i): An introduction to NHS finance – the role of the integrated care board (supplementary episode)
Aug 10, 202229:46
47: An introduction to NHS finance
Aug 10, 202248:40
46: In conversation with Nicci Briggs

46: In conversation with Nicci Briggs

In this latest 'In conversation with...' episode, Mark Orchard catches up with Nicci Briggs, chief finance officer at the newly-created Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board, and winner of the NHS finance director of the year at the HFMA Awards 2021. They discuss Nicci's new role, her career story so far, and what it meant to her to be named as finance director of the year.

Jul 12, 202247:54
45: The role of the air ambulance in supporting NHS services

45: The role of the air ambulance in supporting NHS services

HFMAtalk speaks to Bill Sivewright, chief executive, and Dr Phil Hyde, medical lead for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. They discuss the vital role of the air ambulance in supporting NHS services and caring for patients and how the success of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance operating model has led to it being rolled out in other areas across the country.  

May 23, 202257:21
44: In conversation with Bill Shields

44: In conversation with Bill Shields

Mark Orchard speaks to Bill Shields, chief financial officer at Bermuda Health Board. Bill discusses his long and successful NHS finance career, his move to Bermuda, and what the future may hold for him, as well as reflecting on the factors that have shaped his career so far. 

May 05, 202201:04:14
43: The MedTech funding mandate and removing barriers to innovation
Apr 06, 202234:26
42: Integrated care systems and improving environmental sustainability

42: Integrated care systems and improving environmental sustainability

Alexis Percival, environmental and sustainability manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and Dr Aarti Bansal, GP and founder of the Greener Practice Network, both have leading sustainability roles within Humber Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership. In this episode, they discuss how integrated care systems can drive sustainability, the healthcare impacts and benefits, and how the finance function particularly needs to play a leading role in this absolutely vital agenda.

Mar 21, 202248:43
41: Reflecting on the journey of West Yorkshire Integrated Care System

41: Reflecting on the journey of West Yorkshire Integrated Care System

In this episode, Jonathan Webb, lead director of finance at West Yorkshire Integrated Care System, Jane Hazelgrave, director of finance at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, and Dawn Hanwell, chief finance officer and deputy chief executive at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, reflect on how system working has progressed in their ICS, lessons they have learned, and what the future holds as they move forward.

Feb 22, 202246:15
40: The finance role in addressing health inequalities

40: The finance role in addressing health inequalities

Addressing health inequalities has been recognised as a key priority for the NHS. In this episode, Dr Bola Owolabi, director for health inequalities at NHS England and NHS Improvement; Hannah Witty, CFO at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; and Duncan Orme, acting CFO at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, discuss health inequalities and the key role held by finance professionals in working to address them.

Jan 12, 202236:56
39: In conversation with Owen Harkin

39: In conversation with Owen Harkin

Series host Mark Orchard speaks to Owen Harkin, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance & Estates at Northern Health and Social Care Trust, and HFMA President 2021/22. Owen talks about his career and also also looks ahead to his role as HFMA President, discussing his presidential theme, his aims for the association, and what members can expect over the next 12 months. 

Dec 02, 202140:26
38: The future of the health and social care sector: behind the scenes at a HFMA and CIPFA roundtable
Oct 08, 202147:56
37: In conversation with Julian Kelly

37: In conversation with Julian Kelly

In this latest episode, Mark Orchard speaks to the most senior NHS finance professional in England, Julian Kelly, chief finance officer for NHS England and Improvement. Julian reflects on his career journey, what motivates him, and what it has been like to lead the NHS finance profession through one of the most challenging periods in the health service’s history.

This episode was recorded on Friday 16 July 2021

Sep 13, 202146:04
36: In conversation with Professor Alan Brace

36: In conversation with Professor Alan Brace

Mark Orchard speaks to Professor Alan Brace, former director of finance in the department of health and social care within the Welsh government, and 2014 HFMA Finance Director of the Year. Newly retired, Alan reflects on his journey, his experience working in a variety of senior finance roles within his local Welsh community, and what he is most proud of as he looks back on a fantastic career.

Aug 02, 202154:08
35: In conversation with Paul Baumann CBE

35: In conversation with Paul Baumann CBE

Series host Mark Orchard speaks to Paul Baumann CBE, receiver general and chapter clerk for Westminster Abbey and former chief financial officer for NHS England. Throughout his career Paul has spent more than 30 years in senior finance roles both within the NHS and within the private sector. In a fascinating conversation, Paul discusses his career journey, his love of music, his brief acting career, and much more.

Jun 18, 202143:41
34: In conversation with Sandra Easton

34: In conversation with Sandra Easton

In the second episode of this brand new series, Mark Orchard, chief finance officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, has an in-depth conversation with Sandra Easton, national director of operational finance and performance at NHS England and NHS Improvement. They discuss her career so far, how she achieves a healthy work-life balance, the need to build upon existing work to improve diversity and inclusion within NHS finance, and much more. 

May 14, 202144:57
33: Preparing for the 2020/21 external audit

33: Preparing for the 2020/21 external audit

Mark Surridge, midlands lead for NHS audit and UK sector lead for local government, and Cathie Eddowes, senior manager, audit quality team – public sector, from Mazars UK discuss the issues that are expected to be important during this years’ NHS external audits. The discussion covers the impact of Covid-19, where auditors are expected to focus their time, and what teams can do to best prepare for this year’s audit.

Apr 27, 202140:51
32: In conversation with Hardev Virdee

32: In conversation with Hardev Virdee

In the first episode of a brand new series Mark Orchard, chief finance officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, speaks to Hardev Virdee, group chief financial officer at Barts Health NHS Foundation Trust, about about his life, his career journey, his role models, and much more.

Apr 14, 202141:54
31: Preparing the 2020/21 annual report and accounts

31: Preparing the 2020/21 annual report and accounts

HFMAtalk speaks to Ian Ratcliffe, deputy director of sector accounting and consolidation at NHS England and NHS Improvement, about the issues that might be important over the next few weeks and months as NHS bodies prepare their annual report and accounts. 

This conversation was recorded on Friday 26 March 2021.

Mar 30, 202137:29
30: Delivering NHS services through a social enterprise
Jan 25, 202132:01
29: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (11 January 2021)

29: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (11 January 2021)

As 2021 begins with Covid-related hospital admissions rising at a rapid rate and the country in a new national lockdown, HFMAtalk catches up with Sanjay Agrawal, consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals Leicester NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss this wave from a clinical perspective.

Note: this episode was recorded on 8 January 2021.


Jan 11, 202123:02
Episode 28: HFMA 2020 preview with Mark Knight

Episode 28: HFMA 2020 preview with Mark Knight

In a special episode, Mark Knight, chief executive of the HFMA, looks ahead to the 2020 HFMA annual conference. He talks about what delegates can expect, what he is most looking forward to and the value of the NHS finance community coming together.

Nov 19, 202006:33
27: A conversation between Caroline Clarke and Sanjay Agrawal: part 2

27: A conversation between Caroline Clarke and Sanjay Agrawal: part 2

Sanjay Agrawal, consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and Caroline Clarke, group chief executive of Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, have a follow up conversation to their initial discussion earlier this year. They discuss how things have changed in their organisations over the last few months and how they are each preparing for the second wave of Covid-19. They also look ahead to the HFMA 2020 Annual Conference.

Nov 12, 202038:49
26: Cost improvement and efficiency savings across the NHS

26: Cost improvement and efficiency savings across the NHS

HFMAtalk joins a discussion between three finance directors about cost improvement programmes and efficiency savings. Sarah Connery, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Chris Sands, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust; and Ian Moston, Northern Care Alliance discuss the impact of the pandemic and how this will affect efficiency programmes in the coming year.

Oct 26, 202030:54
25: The impact of Covid-19 on mental health

25: The impact of Covid-19 on mental health

Andy Bell, deputy chief executive at the Centre for Mental Health, and Marsha McAdam, mental health advocate and peer ambassador for the Centre, discuss the impact of the pandemic on mental health, how people’s mental health needs should be met going forward, and the importance of taking this opportunity to ensure people receive the support they need as the lasting impact on mental health becomes clear.

Jul 23, 202037:22
24: Covid-19 in Scotland

24: Covid-19 in Scotland

Craig Marriott, deputy director of finance at NHS Lothian and HFMA Scotland branch chair, discusses the impact and response to Covid-19 in Scotland, highlighting some differences compared to the rest of the UK. He also talks about the challenges and opportunities presented to finance staff across the organisation as a result of the pandemic.

Jun 24, 202038:28
23: Covid-19 in Northern Ireland

23: Covid-19 in Northern Ireland

Maureen Edwards, director of finance, estates and capital planning at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, provides local insight into how healthcare services within Northern Ireland have been impacted by Covid-19, as well as discussing the varied challenges that her trust - as a provider of the full range of health and social care services - faced in tackling the pandemic.


Jun 17, 202044:55
22: Covid-19: a view from Hertfordshire

22: Covid-19: a view from Hertfordshire

David Bacon, director of finance at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, gives a local perspective on Covid-19. He discusses the impact on community services across the county, as well as how finance teams are re-examining processes as the new business as usual model is developed.

Jun 09, 202018:42
21: The impact of Covid-19 on primary care

21: The impact of Covid-19 on primary care

Professor James Kingsland, general practitioner, honorary professor at the University of Central Lancashire, and a founding member of the National Association of Primary Care, discusses the impact of Covid-19 on primary care and how the workforce have adapted to manage the response. He also talks about the role of primary care networks and uses his experience of disaster medicine to consider how the NHS will recover from the pandemic.

Jun 04, 202024:21
20: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (2 June 2020)

20: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (2 June 2020)

As services begin to resume across the NHS, Sanjay Agrawal, consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, gives his latest insight into the ever-present threat of Covid-19, how hospital services must change as a consequence of the pandemic, and the differences that patients are likely to see when they visit hospital.

Jun 02, 202016:42
19: Auditing the 2019/20 annual accounts during Covid-19

19: Auditing the 2019/20 annual accounts during Covid-19

Debbie Paterson, policy and technical manager at the HFMA and Mark Stocks, head of public sector assurance at Grant Thornton, talk about adjustments that have been made to the audit of the 2019/20 annual accounts as a result of the pandemic, both within the accounts, and to the auditing process itself. Debbie and Mark also discuss issues that have arisen to the audit process so far, as well as changes already being planned for next year’s audits.

Note: This podcast was recorded before NHSE&I's Statement to support provider and commissioner forecasting was published on 27 May 2020.

May 28, 202039:49
18: The local authority and social care response to Covid-19

18: The local authority and social care response to Covid-19

Rob Whiteman, chief executive of CIPFA, discusses the local government response to Covid-19. As the NHS and social care have worked together closely to support their local communities, Rob talks about this positive working relationship as well as how the pandemic has impacted almost every facet of service delivery within social care.

May 26, 202030:47
17: Covid-19: A commissioning perspective

17: Covid-19: A commissioning perspective

Mark Bakewell, chief financial officer for both Liverpool and Knowsley CCGs, shares his experience of the pandemic. Discussing the challenges that his organisations have faced, Mark emphasises the value of system working, supporting the wider health economy and the role of emerging primary care networks in the region.

May 21, 202028:27
16: The national response to Covid-19 - A perspective from NHS England & Improvement

16: The national response to Covid-19 - A perspective from NHS England & Improvement

Sandra Easton, director of operational finance and performance at NHS England & Improvement, and Marcus Thorman, chief financial officer at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, discuss the need to simplify NHS finance processes and governance during the pandemic, and what was required to put these national changes into place quickly and effectively.

May 19, 202033:29
15: Covid-19: A view from Plymouth

15: Covid-19: A view from Plymouth

Sarah Brampton, director of finance at University Hospitals Plymouth Foundation Trust, discusses their organisational response to the pandemic and how a culture of empowerment has allowed them to make quick and effective decisions in response to the challenges presented.

May 15, 202024:58
14: The estates’ and facilities’ response to Covid-19

14: The estates’ and facilities’ response to Covid-19

Anthony Robson, finance director at QE Facilities, talks about the impact of Covid-19 on estates and facilities services across the NHS. He discusses how his organisation has supported the NHS both in responding to the unique challenges presented, but also in helping protect other organisations against fraud during the pandemic.

May 14, 202041:42
13: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (6 May 2020)

13: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (6 May 2020)

Sanjay Agrawal, consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, starts to look ahead at a post-Covid NHS. He discusses the impact on other services, the importance of the public continuing to utilise the services they need, and the challenges organisations may face as they balance reintroducing wider patient care with allowing staff and teams the chance to recover from the pandemic.

May 06, 202021:37
12: A conversation between Sanjay Agrawal and Caroline Clarke

12: A conversation between Sanjay Agrawal and Caroline Clarke

Sanjay Agrawal, consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and Caroline Clarke, group chief executive of Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, talk one on one about Covid-19 and what they have learned about their respective Trusts, the NHS, and themselves during the pandemic. In a fascinating conversation, they cover topics ranging from the NHS of the future, the politics surrounding Covid-19 responses, Sanjay’s love of jazz, and pies.

Apr 30, 202040:33
11: The local impact of Covid-19 in the West Midlands

11: The local impact of Covid-19 in the West Midlands

This episode’s focus is on the West Midlands, one of the areas most affected by Covid-19 outside of London. We hear two perspectives of the local impact on services and finance teams, one from Ros Preen, director of strategy and finance at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, and the other from Susan Rollason, chief finance officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

Apr 28, 202039:38
10: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (22 April 2020)

10: A clinical perspective on the impact of Covid-19 (22 April 2020)

Sanjay Agrawal talks about how staff are pulling together to tackle the pandemic and the impact that it is having on them. He also discusses the research that is going on to treat Covid-19 and to combat the disease in the future.

Sanjay is a HFMA trustee and a consultant in respiratory medicine and intensive care at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Apr 22, 202022:45