Shared services conference to showcase the power of collaboration 
A CIPFA conference this month considers how collaboration through shared services can help public sector bodies achieve world class financial management and service delivery.  The conference, on 23 April in London, features expert speakers including Gerard Newman, Head of Finance, Transformation Programme for John Lewis Partnership and Tom Bangemann, Vice President - Business Transformation for the Hackett Group.

Scottish government issue draft statutory guidance on PPP/PFI
CIPFA has written to all UK administrations highlighting areas where statutory intervention might be considered desirable as part of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by local government.  One area highlighted is the impact of implementing IFRS for PFI schemes in 2009/10. The Scottish government has issued draft statutory guidance for consultation on this aspect. All affected Scottish local government organisations are encouraged to respond.   

CIPFA audit conference: internal audit – 21st century heroes
There is undoubted opportunity for internal auditors to be heroes of the 21st century, says Richard King, chair of the CIPFA audit panel.  Gain new insight into best practice in public sector audit at this unique event on 22-24 April, Leeds.   

CIPFA Property to develop best practice approach to asset management
Local authority assets are worth nearly £239 billion, making them the second most costly resource after staff for local authorities to manage.  Effective asset management should play a major role in delivering better outcomes for citizens, creating a sense of place and generating efficiency gains. CIPFA Property has been successful in securing work for the North East Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership to develop a best practice approach to asset management  for councils and fire and rescue services in the north east of England. 

This week in Public Finance: From Pillar to Post
The government is forging ahead with part-privatisation of the Royal Mail, despite bitter opposition from MPs and the public.  But why now, when faith in private sector solutions is at a low ebb - and with a general election around the corner? Tash Shifrin investigates. 

EVENTS

IN BRIEF

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