We are delighted to reveal the 2018 Public Finance Awards winners. The winners, drawn from across the sector and representing all parts of the UK, demonstrate the remarkable dedication and inventiveness of those working to deliver excellence in governance and financial management throughout the public sector.
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Sponsored by: CIPFA Penna
WINNER: Finance and Procurement Team, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority (BMKFA)
Judges’ comments: “Finance teams across the local government sector are continuing to operate effectively – and with passion – in challenging circumstances. Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority achieved a lot with a small team through collaboration and flexibility.”
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WINNER: Finance Department, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Judges’ comments: “This is a dynamic team with an excellent ethos and culture. The team are clear on their contribution to the trust and are well-managed from a financial perspective, although their achievements span much further.”
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WINNER: Finance Team, Independent Living Fund Scotland
Judges’ comments: “This finance team is living out the values of the organisation. Having set up a new finance system from scratch, the team has embraced cloud-based technology and innovative solution design to improve payment processes and ensure zero payment errors since 2015. This is a great example of how finance innovation and team commitment can make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
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Sponsored by: Oxygen Finance
WINNER: Andrew Hardingham, Strategic Director for Transformation & Change, Finance, Plymouth City Council
Judges’ comments: “Andrew’s creative and innovative approach has shaped a new vision and strategy for change within the finance service, and his “Finance FIT” project is a superb example of how to move the finance function forward. Andrew’s leadership isn’t just confined to strategy and project success and places a strong focus on staff wellbeing and the development of a collaborative and innovative culture.”
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WINNER: Keira Shepperson, Chief of Staff to the CFO, Rebecca Simon, Communications Director, Scott Shearer, Communications Senior Manager, Marilena Ioannidou, Director, British Business Bank Investments
Judges’ comments: “Through a structured approach and clear allocation of responsibilities, British Business Bank Investments have delivered high quality, accessible and innovative financial reporting. A team focus on clarity of presentation, early stakeholder engagement and careful planning has not only delivered best in class financial reports but has also enabled the development of more innovative elements, such as infographics tailored for specific audiences and a comprehensive and engaging media plan.”
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WINNER: Housing Maintenance Partnership comprising, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Mears and Stradia
Judges’ comments: “This was an excellent example of taking a problem, being honest about the challenges and committing to finding a way forward. Sharing both the gains and the pains has been effective and open book arrangements are working actively.”
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WINNER: Samantha Rix, Procurement Specialist, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Judges’ comments: “There was a clear procurement objective from the outset and excellent market and clinical engagement. As well as financial savings, patient safety standards were upheld and there is potential to roll out to other trusts.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The PSAA Team (Officers and Board), Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA)
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WINNER: Government Finance Academy
Judges’ comments: “By challenging the traditional classroom mode of training delivery and embracing innovative ways of learning focused on individual learning styles the Government Finance Academy has created a world class initiative.”
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Sponsored by: SWAP Internal Audit Services
WINNER: Rob Winter, Head of Internal Audit for South Yorkshire Police and the Force Executive Team, South Yorkshire Police
Judges’ comments: “South Yorkshire Police’s Organisational Infrastructure approach to governance was a clear winner in this category. It’s a simple model, but a very effective one that has been successfully implemented. The benefits are transferable both within the policing sector and beyond.”
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WINNER: Tracey Woodwards, Lead Auditor, The Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) at DVLA
Judges’ comments: “This was a strong category demonstrating some excellent variation. Tracey Woodwards’ work showed impressive evidence of significant impact in a challenging cross-government environment.”
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Sponsored by: CIPFA Property
WINNER: Financial Services – Treasury Team, Dorset Council Partnership (one internal staffing organisation serving the 3 councils of North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council)
Judges’ comments: “The Dorset Council Partnership demonstrated effective joint working and governance arrangements as well as genuine innovation in portfolio diversification. Risk awareness was strong.”
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WINNER: Insurance and Risk Team, Lincolnshire County Council
Judges’ comments: “Lincolnshire has tried to shift corporate risk appetite in a pioneering way, securing buy in from across the organisation. It approaches risk from a business and transformation point of view rather than seeing it as a compliance issue.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Risk & Insurance Team, Shropshire Council
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WINNER: Wigan Council – The Deal for Communities Investment Fund
Judges’ comments: “This was a very impressive initiative that demonstrated wide impact for a small investment. Developed for and with the community, it allows Wigan Council to invest in creative, bright ideas and projects that contribute to sustainable solutions. Wigan estimates that for every £1 invested, The Deal produces £5.62 of public value.”
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Sponsored by: Sponsored by Oracle
WINNER: Online Fitness to Drive Team, DVLA
Judges’ comments: “A successful digitisation of vital, customer-facing service led by an in-house team. It demonstrated strong evidence of financial benefits and wider social are likely through improved road safety and a reduction in accidents, injuries and fatalities.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Placing Business Intelligence at the heart of decision-making, Health and Safety Executive
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WINNER: London Ventures Team (Ernst & Young (EY) and London Councils) and Xantura
Judges’ comments: “London Ventures impressed us through the breadth of partnership working, the size of the estimated cost savings and efficiency benefits. It’s a good replicable project working with data to develop the service.”
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