What benefits did attending this year’s conference have for you and your development?
I really enjoyed the conference. It gave me valuable time and space to reflect on my work and to hear the ideas and viewpoints of speakers from a wide range of organisations. It was also a great opportunity to network—both to reconnect with colleagues I’ve worked with previously and to meet new ones from NHSE and other areas of the country whose roles are very different from mine in Catford. Overall, it broadened my perspective and helped me better understand the wider context in which my work sits.
What were the three most valuable insights or lessons you took away from the event?
The conference helped me understand the shared commitment across the whole system to achieving the best possible value for patients. It also highlighted the direction of travel towards a digitally enabled workforce that can use AI to drive high-quality care in the most efficient way.
My three key insights were:
- Shifting care into the community: The emphasis on moving services away from hospital settings and into community-based, provider-collaborative models where patients feel most comfortable.
- Prioritising prevention and early intervention: The Greater Manchester lung cancer pilot was especially impactful – demonstrating how targeted work in deprived areas can address inequalities and identify health issues early. I would passionately like to see similar initiatives rolled out nationally.
- A 10-year plan for digitisation: This long-term strategy will deliver better value and faster interventions for patients, while also creating more rewarding roles for clinical and finance professionals.
How did the conference help you build or strengthen your professional network?
The conference gave me the chance to meet colleagues from NHSE and from other regions, and to learn about the challenges they face in delivering healthcare to their populations. I was also able to reconnect with former colleagues and hear about their current roles. In addition, I spoke with suppliers about new systems being introduced elsewhere and the benefits these could bring. Collecting supplier stamps for the prize draw was a fun way to engage, and I brought back a range of resources that will support my work and can be shared with my colleagues.
How likely are you to recommend this opportunity to colleagues, and why?
I would definitely recommend this opportunity. The conference helped me feel part of a wider national finance community and gave me a better understanding of how my role fits into the bigger picture. It was inspiring, informative, and professionally rewarding.