CIPFA Speaks

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, Chief Product Officer at OneAdvanced and Florence Bastos, Public Finance Technical Advisor at CIPFA, 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.  

💬"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 CEO Owen Mapley 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, CIPFA’s Social Care Policy Advisor, and Emma Willson, Director of Education Value for Money at the National Audit Office, 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, CIPFA’s Chief Economist, and Mara Airoldi, Director of the Government Outcomes (GO) Lab at Oxford University, 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 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’ 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, Paralympic gold medal swimmer and passionate advocate for tech-driven public good, and David Lyford-Tilley, 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 from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Khalid Hamid, CIPFA’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, 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. 

Why are 75% of local authority budgets consumed by social care? What steps can the government take to rein in escalating costs and meet growing demand? And how can public finance professionals ease pressures on local authorities? In this month’s episode, we tackle the urgent need for change in adult and children’s social care—a system that places unsustainable strain on local governments and the wellbeing of its communities alike. Join Dr. William Burns, CIPFA's Social Care Policy Advisor, Bernie Enright, Executive Director of Adult Social Services at Manchester City Council, and John Pearce, Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Durham County Council, as they unpack the challenges and actionable strategies for managing demand. Tune in for expert insights and practical solutions to one of the public sector’s most pressing issues. 

Why do different areas of the UK approach climate change differently? How can the UK government and local authorities grow in a sustainable manner? And what can be done to ensure sustainability is at the heart of decision-making? With a new government and new growth plan emerging at a time when the world undergoes rapid structural change from climate, technology, and demographic forces, the public sector must make tough decisions to advance its sustainability agenda. That’s why, in this month’s episode, CIPFA’s Sustainability Policy Manager, Amit Verma, and Professor Matthew Agarwala, Bennett Chair of Sustainable Finance at the University of Sussex, come together to explore how and why the public sector should strive for sustainable improvements.   Tune in to learn more about multifaceted challenges and possible solutions to achieve prosperity for all.   

Tune in for an exclusive interview with outgoing CIPFA CEO Rob Whiteman for heartfelt insights into Rob's personal life and talents away from work. Amid a time of tumultuous political change, we sat down with him as he prepares to pass the baton to his successor, Owen Mapley. Rob reflects on his decade-long tenure at the helm of the institute, sharing his proudest achievement at CIPFA, greatest challenge, and thoughts on the opportunities for the economy as we enter an age of artificial intelligence (AI).What does it take to lead a public finance organisation during challenging times? Which song best describes your decade as CIPFA CEO? And where do you see public finance and the public sector headed after the General Election?...and many more questions answered in this month’s episode.

Why hasn’t levelling up worked as promised? How will the next government address capacity issues and create knowledge exchange?We have just seen the election results for local and mayoral elections in May as we look forward to the general election this year. Which is why, in this month’s episode, experts from academia, think-tank and local authority come together to address what the next government should do to address regional inequalities in England. We are joined by Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director at City-REDI, University of Birmingham, Tom Davies, Associate Director at Social Finance UK and Leigh Bramall, Director of Counter Context, and former Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council.CIPFA, in partnership with the University of Birmingham City-REDI, published in February a report on ‘Investing in Regional Equality- four English examples’ which found ten success factors that will address regional inequalities in England.Tune in to learn more about multifaceted challenges and possible solutions to achieve prosperity for all.