PRA 2006 Winners Announced

The winners of the 2006 PRA Awards were announced on Wednesday 14th June at an awards ceremony held at the Harrogate International Centre, as part of the CIPFA 2006 Conference. CIPFA President, Caroline Gardner welcomed finalists and guests to the event. Member of the judging panel, Rodger Hughes from sole sponsor PricewaterhouseCoopers, gave a 5-minute speech before handing over to his colleague from the panel, David Walker from The Guardian. David announced the winners, including overall 2006 Award Winner, Wychavon District Council whose Director of Finance, Vic Allison, collected the prestigious award. Following the event, Dr Tony Wright MP, Chair of the Public Administration Committee gave the inaugural CIPFA/PwC Accountability Lecture.

For details of the winners go to www.cipfa.org.uk/awards/accountability.

CIPFA Welcomes Delegates From The GFOA

A delegation from the GFOA, the association that represents state, provincial and local government finance officers in the United States and Canada were welcomed to this year's CIPFA Conference.

The delegation reflects CIPFA’s expanding international networks and was arranged following an earlier visit by CIPFA membes to GFOA's own annual conference.

The CIPFA delegates to GFOA gave initial feedback to the CIPFA Local Government Policy Panel on 18 May, shortly after their return. The Panel will be feeding in the results of the exchange to the ongoing debate on the future of local government in the UK, and in particular to Sir Michael Lyons. Our delegates will be writing up their conclusions and experiences, and details will appear on the Local Government Policy Panel’s pages on the CIPFA website later this summer: www.cipfa.org.uk/panels/lgpp.

CIPFA would like to thank the sponsors of the exchange:

• the Sloan Foundation
• the Local Government Association
• the Society of County Treasurers
• the Society of District Council Treasurers
• the Society of London Treasurers
• the Society of Municipal Treasurers
• PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Communities Scotland Regulatory Code of Governance

Angela Scott has been appointed to the Communities Scotland Regulatory Code of Governance Stakeholders Panel.

Communities Scotland is the regulatory body in Scotland for registered social landlords (RSL’s). The Panel will meet between now and September. It is intended that a draft regulatory code will be developed and issued for consultation across the Sector at the end of June.

CIPFA Response to Department of Health plan

A joint response is currently being prepared to the Department of Health draft simplification plan.

All Panel responses/bulletins are available on www.cipfa.org.uk/panels/social_services.

Maureen Wellen, Select Comittee Advisor

Maureen Wellen has been appointed as an advisor to the Transport Select Committee in Westminster.

Good Governance in Local Government

The CIPFA/SOLACE Joint Working Group on Good Governance in Local Government launched a consultation document Good Governance in Local Government at the Harrogate conference. It sets out to illustrate best practice for local authorities in developing and maintaining a local code of governance and making adopted practice open and explicit. The updated document takes account of the changes affecting local authority governance since the original framework Corporate Governance in Local Government : A Keystone for Community Governance was published in 2001.

The consultation document is being sent to local authorities and key stakeholders. For further information please contact kerry.ace@cipfa.org.

LAAP 65 – FRS17 Disclosures in Respect of the 2006 Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales Only)

The Local Authority Accounting Panel has issued LAAP bulletin 65 FRS 17 Disclosures in Respect of the 2006 Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales Only). The bulletin provides guidance for authorities in England and Wales concerning enhancements to the FRS 17 disclosures in the 2005/06 statement of accounts following late changes made to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

During consultation on the Bulletin concern was expressed by practitioners that changes made after the accounts had been approved might affect Auditors’ Scored Judgements used in the Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment process. The Audit Commission have advised that this is a matter for judgement on the part of the auditor, but would not anticipate that an adjustment made solely to comply with professional guidance not issued at the date of preparation of the statements would impact on the Auditors’ Scored Judgement.

Download LAAP bulletin 65: PDF (size:105KB, 5 pages)

Other Panel Newsletters

The latest edition of the Health Panel newsletter is available to download from the www.cipfa.org.uk/panels/health.

The latest edition of the Social Services Panel newsletter is available to download from the www.cipfa.org.uk/panels/social_services.

CETC’s New Website Goes Live

The CIPFA Education and Training Centre (CETC) is pleased to announce the launch of their new website!

Undergoing significant improvements to the design, navigation, and content, the site now offers students, prospective students and employers much more information than before. The site is divided into 5 sections:

1. About Us – this includes information on the modes of training and types of courses on offer from CETC, support packages for CIPFA students not studying with CETC, and the latest pass rates
2. Courses – this section provides descriptions of all the course programmes offered by CETC and the latest course dates and enrolment forms
3. Students – this is a comprehensive section for CETC students to download timetables, read about what they can expect from each module (written by CETC trainers) and from studying at CETC in general (with plenty of case studies from former and current students), and find answers to commonly asked questions on the FAQ page
4. Locations – maps and directions to all CETC centres
5. News - all the latest news, articles and case studies

The website can be accessed from the usual address: www.cetc.org.uk.

You can let CETC know your feedback on their site by emailing: Julia.knight@cetc.org.uk.

CIPFA Launches New Product For Voluntary Community Sector:
CIPFA Certificate in Charity Finance and Accounting

CIPFA has joined up with London South Bank University (LSBU) to establish the Certificate in Charity Finance and Accounting. The one year course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of those working in the finance functions of charities, but who do not yet hold a recognised finance qualification directly relevant to their work.

The course will start in autumn 2006. Contact Nigel Scott at LSBU’s charity faculty on 020 7815 7760 or email cipfachar.enq@lsbu.ac.uk for further details.

Course dates and revision programme at Nottingham 2006 and 2007

Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, is offering a comprehensive programme of modules and a revision programme leading to the December 2006 and June 2007 examinations. The programme commences on 4 September 2006 for the December examinations and 6 February 2007 for the June 2007 examinations.

Full details of the programme can be obtained from the CIPFA course administrator tel. 01158 482432 or e-mail Charlotte.Wix@ntu.ac.uk

The Certificate in Advanced Performance Management: Transformational Tools and Techniques in Performance Management

Harrogate Training & Development Ltd are offering a CIPFA accredited course designed for Health & Social care managers in response to increasing demand for training that addresses some of the key topical issues in managing performance within their organisations.

Download further information: Peformance Management (PDF 90KB)

Alternatively, visit www.htd.org.uk

CIPFA Scottish News

The latest edition of CIPFA Scottish News, the quarterly newsletter from CIPFA in Scotland, is now available to download. This edition includes the regular technical update and also includes a briefing on the FE/HE sector. Read more at www.cipfa.org.uk/scotland/technical/newsletter.cfm.

LASAAC Annual Report

LASAAC has issued its annual report for 2005/6. The report reflects on the past year which included the release of guidance on both accounting for insurance and reserves. To download a PDF version of the annual report click here.

Training courses and events in Scotland

Accounting Standards Overview - 22 & 23 June Edinburgh
This comprehensive two day course is designed to provide an overview of all the accounting standards that affect the public sector.

Public Service Reform Seminar - 23 June Edinburgh
This seminar will consider how reform is being driven forward, what lessons we can learn from others, the local and national perspectives, longer term strategies and how public services might be financed in the future.

CIPFA Northern Ireland Conference 2006

The CIPFA Northern Ireland Annual Conference – Delivering Public Services in a Changing World …. Dare to be Different! will take place on 28 & 29 September 2006 at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, Co Down.

Keynote speakers for this year’s conference include:

• Greg Dyke
• Gareth Hall, Chief Executive of DEIN in Wales
• Jonathan Porritt, Co-Founder and Programme Director of Forum for the Future
• Kriss Akabussi MBE,
• Tony Culley-Foster, President of an international Government business consultancy
• John Seddon, writer and commentator
• Jane Earl, Director of the Assets Recovery Agency

Find out more on the www.cipfa.org.uk/ni/annual_conference.cfm.

Branch Lunchtime Event

Managing Large Projects
8 September 2006, Europa Hotel, Belfast

With organisational and technological developments, public services are subject to continuous change, sometimes on a very significant scale. How are large-scale projects effectively managed to avoid the pitfalls? In this session, Chris Thompson of the Department of Finance and Personnel will share his experience of managing the large government projects such as the Accounting Services Programme, Workplace 2010, EHR, IT back office and others.

This event will commence at 12.15pm and will close at approximately 1.45pm following a buffet lunch. The event is open to both CIPFA members and non-member colleagues and the cost of attending is £20 per delegate (inclusive of VAT) www.cipfa.org.uk/ni/events_details.cfm?events_id=2647.

CIPFA Seminar Series

European Funding in Northern Ireland - Where do we go from here?
12 September 2006, Stormont Hotel, Belfast

With continued expansion of the European Union, increased emphasis on regional inter-relationships and higher economic growth in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the focus and dynamics of European funding are changing.

CIPFA Northern Ireland is delighted to present a one-day seminar containing a range of expert speakers who will provide a strategic overview of the future shape of European funded programmes from international and local perspectives as well as an analysis of future funding opportunities for Northern Ireland. The seminar will also provide critical appraisal of the exercise of financial control experience in the past and the lessons learned.

For further information and booking details, please visit www.cipfa.org.uk/ni/seminars.cfm Alternatively, please contact Emily Brown on 028 9026 6774 or via e-mail at emily.brown@cipfa.org.

New Course for Open Courses Programme

State Aid Rules and Regulations
Exeter, 16 October, London, 19 October, Cardiff, 23 November 2006

A new training course has been launched that will equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to implement State Aid Rules and Regulations. The course has been designed to clarify the array of regulations and will be of benefit to organisations that provide aid and entities that receive aid.

The course costs £295 plus VAT, which includes course facilitation, in-depth course materials and lunch. For further information and to book please click on the relevant course location above. Alternatively, please contact Anna Egner at anna.egner@cipfa.org or on 028 9026 6777.

New opportunities for members and students in Bristol

Members and students in and around Bristol will now have access to regular Institute events on technical, sector-specific and management topics, thanks to the recent launch of the South Wales and West of England Regional Council’s Bristol sub-region.

CIPFA Bristol seeks to provide professional and personal development opportunities for CIPFA members and students by organising regular talks, seminars and networking events in and around the city.

The group is already working on a range of events, which focus on local as well as national issues. Details of current activities can be found online at www.cipfa.org.uk/regions/sw/bristol.cfm

Any members or students who would like to get involved with CIPFA Bristol, or who are interested in current or future events, are invited to contact Simon Perks at simon.perks@kpmg.co.uk

Cross Party Group on Euro Preparations

Roman Haluszczak, Finance Advisor at IPF, and Adrian Botham, Euro Forum Associate, have been asked to speak to the Euro APG about the CIPFA Euro Template on the 13th of July at Portcullis House.

The group meets informally and is normally attended by a MPs from Labour, Lib Dems, SNP and Plaid Cymru. The July meeting will focus on local authorities, specifically local authority templates, planning tools and guidance to the MPs.

Statement of Expertise Update

An updated version of CIPFA’s Statement of Expertise is now available in the members section (www.cipfa.org.uk/members/expertise.cfm) of the CIPFA website.

New CIPFA Code of Ethics

CIPFA has developed a new Standard of Professional Practice (SoPP) on Ethics as a guide for all members and students to help to create a degree of uniformity of professional ethics throughout the organisation.

Find out more and download the code and guide from www.cipfa.org.uk/conduct/ethics.cfm.

Figure it Out – CIPFA Statistical Research Bulletin

In this edition of Figure it Out we cover a range of relevant topics. First and foremost is the perennial debate about local government review which may slip to the back of the agenda of new government priorities, but the questions will not go away for ever. In the absence of structural change, more and more local authorities (and other public bodies) are nevertheless exploring the potential for sharing service delivery and we explore some examples from the public services. Some wider concerns are investigated in the latest IPF Local Government Monitor survey which this time reports some rather more positive views.

On a more technical level, we have a summary of the “Home Information Packs” being introduced next year. Our final two articles are of more general interest; an outline of progress on the CIPFA Learning Centre and some suggestions for improvements to the way data is presented in reports.

Figure it Out can be downloaded from www.cipfastats.net.

Revenues - Collection Fund

CIPFA Benefits and Revenues are currently working on a new reference work, the ‘Rough Guide to the Collection Fund’, the first new document dedicated to this subject to be published since 1995. We intend to follow it’s publication in the late summer with a series of workshop which accountants who deal with the Collection Fund will find highly relevant.

There is a Collection Fund working group already contributing to this publication and if you would like to join and contribute on this worthwhile project please contact David Cattermoul at David.Cattermoul@ipf.co.uk.

Performance Managment and Leadership Events from CIPFA Benefits and Revenues Service

This series for four events focuses on how leaders can obtain the maximum performance from individual members of staff . It explores areas such as culture, technique and leadership skills. The day will be lead by Richard Harbord.

For more information visit www.cipfanetworks.net/cbrs.

Simple Communication and Presentation of Figures Training Sessions

This course is aimed at anyone who has to explain or present numbers to colleagues, management teams, elected members, non-executive directors or the press. Participants learn:

• to present figures in user-friendly ways so the audience will understand;
• when to use a table, when to use a graph and which graph to use when; and
• to write and talk about figures so the audience will remember them later.

£295 +VAT – London - 5/10, 23/11, 11/12 2006

We are also able to provide this training session on your premises at a time that is convenient for you.

To register or for further information, please contact Penny Cole on 020 8667 1144 or by email at numberstraining@ipf.co.uk.

NHS Scotland Shared Services Project

IPF Consultancy has been retained to assist with the application of the CIPFA Financial Management Model to two large NHS Boards in Scotland - NHS Tayside and NHS Grampian. This is the first time the CIPFA Financial Management Model has been used within the health service in Scotland. This piloting of the Model within both Boards is being run as part of the NHS Shared Services Project in Scotland. As well as assisting with the Project Management of this exercise, IPF will provide an independent assessment of the strength of FM of both NHS Boards.

East Dunbartonshire Council

CIPFA/IPF has confirmed that East Dunbartonshire Council has been the first public body in Scotland to fully implement the CIPFA Financial Management Model with independent verification. Chief Executive Sue Bruce said “the Council was keen to implement the model as an element of our drive for continuous improvement throughout the Council...We were very happy with the support from CIPFA and IPF and would commend this model to others.”

For more information on the services that IPF Consultancy provide, please visit www.ipf.com/consultancy or email maria.cueto@ipf.co.uk.

The efficiency agenda: What's next?
CIPFA Improvement Through Technology Network - London (27 June) - Leeds (29 June)

These one-day seminars, organised jointly by IPF's Improvement Through Technology (ITT) and Improvement and Quality (IQN) networks, will discuss how the efficiency agenda is likely to develop in the coming months, particularly in the context of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

The events will also provide an update on annual efficiency statements, offer a chance to reflect on the progress made thus far, and explore different approaches to delivering efficiency. Speakers will include the Office of Government Commerce, DCLG, IPF and others.

A programme and booking form can be found at www.cipfaitt.net/events/default_view.asp?id=275

CIPFA IQN Practice Groups

CIPFA's Improvement and Quality Network (IQN) is launching "practice groups" in its core areas of process improvement; performance management; non-IT project management; and process design. The IQN practice groups of 3 - 4 authorities in a local area who work through a framework of improvement in the core areas facilitated by IPF experts and associates. The first IQN practice groups start in June/July.

For details contact the IQN Lead Advisor Brendan McCarron at brendan.mccarron@ipf.co.uk.

Making Better Choices - Option Appraisal in Local Government

Under the CPA Regime option appraisal for Local Authorities will increase in importance. The CIPFA FAN is pleased to announce a series of workshops on option appraisal. These will take place in late June and early July.

Full details can be viewed at www.cipfanetworks.net/fan/events.

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