October 2026 One NHS Finance Team Updates
Welcome to the October One NHS Finance blog. Here you will find all the highlights of our programmes and networks over the last month, and discover opportunities and everything else coming up in the month ahead.
Important Upcoming Dates That You Should Know
Breaking Diversity Barriers Programme applications extended – now closes on October 14th
Networks
Last month, we were back in the swing of things with 14 network meetings, including our Value Maker Board meeting and FACE leads meetings.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their nominations for this year’s Value Maker Awards. We beat last year’s total, and we’ll announce the shortlist in due course, so watch this space!
The Sponsorship Summit also took place in London last month. It was wonderful to see so many of you in person, and we have received some great feedback: ‘What a fabulous day celebrating the positive impact Sponsorship has, with inspiring career journeys, practical insights and useful self-development tips.’ We would like to thank all the speakers who helped make the day such a success.
This month, we are looking forward to bringing you our annual FACE (Finance and Clinical Educators) Conference. Sessions will cover topics including budget holder training, productivity, train-the-trainer approaches, and developing finance skills and capability across organisations. Register for October 21, 09:30 – 12:45 here: FACE Conference 2026.
We are also pleased to announce that the National Rainbow Network launch event will be taking place this month on October 9th. If you would like to join this event, please email: one.finance@nhs.net
Also taking place on October 22nd, 11:00 – 12:00, is a showcase that highlights how Mersey Care NHS Trust Finance Department has taken a pioneering approach to equality, diversity and inclusion through a partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme. Register here: EDI Showcase: Creating Opportunities That Matter, The Mersey Care WorkFit Journey.
Programmes
Last month, we delivered the Accelerate! Deputies development programme. Over two days, NHS finance deputies came together to explore leadership beyond finance, share experiences, build networks, and prepare for the next stage of their careers. One delegate shared: ‘The two days were extremely helpful, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It was great to meet new colleagues and build a new network.’ If you are interested in attending this programme for the 2027 cohort, then you can register your interest here: Accelerate! Deputies development programme.
The National Finance Academy would also like to welcome Tom Shearer, Chief Finance Officer, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, as its new programme Chair. Tom has been instrumental in the success of the NHS Finance Insights Placement Scheme, and his commitment to talent development and supporting future finance professionals will be a huge asset to the Academy. If you are interested in finding out how your Organisation and Finance Team can benefit from hosting a placement trainee, join our webinar on October 7, 12:00 – 13:30: Insights Placement Scheme Webinar for NHS Organisations.
The Finance Innovation Forum has launched the NHS Finance Digital Frontier. The NHS Finance Digital Frontier is helping finance professionals build digital skills, make better use of Microsoft technologies and connect with others across the NHS. Created in response to the growing opportunities presented by data, automation and AI, the Digital Frontier supports colleagues to develop the confidence and capability needed to thrive in a modern finance function.
How to get involved:
Software Skills Assessments: understand your current level of digital capability and identify opportunities to develop your skills: NHS Finance Software Skills Assessments.
Events and Learning: take part in regular events focused on growing practical digital skills, to support our staff in learning new ways to build and innovate: Software Skills Event Series.
The NHS Finance Development Strategy 2026-29 has also been published. The new strategy sets out a shared vision for a skilled, confident and diverse NHS finance profession, with a focus on developing our people, strengthening our community, and embracing the opportunities presented by digital and AI. We encourage you to take a look and share it with colleagues.
That’s a wrap for this month, please download our monthly presentation slides below. Thank you for reading.