CIPFA Wessex Conference 2026

CIPFA Wessex Conference 2026

Join us for the CIPFA Wessex Conference 2026. This in-person conference will be held at Ashburton Hall in Winchester, SO23 8TG, United Kingdom.

This CPD event is sponsored by CIPFA South East Region’s 2026 Event Partners. This annual event returns with a programme covering local and national topical issues and gives an opportunity to meet and network face to face throughout the day.

A light buffet lunch will be provided. Please see 'aditional information' for dietary requirements.

This event is open to CIPFA members and non-members working in public finance so please feel free to share with any other contacts you know who may be interested.

Conference Programme (we reserve the right to update this version as circumstances require):

• 8.45 AM: Delegate Registration and networking refreshments
• 9.20 AM: Welcome to delegates and an introduction to the conference programme. John Barker, President Emeritus, CIPFA South East Regional Council. (Conference Chair)
• 9.30 AM: Overall financial positions - financial and service implications in Hampshire’s geographical county. (1) Hampshire CC’s position - Andy Lowe /Catherine Edgecombe (Deputy Director of COs)(2) Demand pressures (eg Homelessness and Social Care) – a Unitary Council’s perceptions (Presenters tbc in early June)

• 10.20 AM Assessing LG Financial Sustainability nationally, now and through LGR - Bevis Ingram, Local Government Association, Marcus Richards, Partner EY and Graham Oliver, Director, Moore Insight.

• 11.15 AM: Refreshment and networking break – and exhibitors invite you to visit them

• 11.45 AM: The new Strategic Authorities and their roles in the Devolution timescale. Amardeep Gill (Partner, Trowers & Hamlins) and Dr Ruth Adams (recently appointed as the Interim Chief Executive of the proposed Hampshire and the Solent CCA). Information, commentary and some personal reflections as these new authorities take shape.

• 12.45 PM Buffet lunch and networking – and exhibitors invite you to visit them

• 2.00 PM New opportunities.... understanding Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs) Paul Pawa, Group Strategic Development Director, Norse Group

• 2.30 PM A Grant Thornton presentation - featuring issues relevant to LGR preparation - organisational, professional and personal. What are finance leaders facing? Identification and analysis of positioning and skills for an effective contribution to the successful design and delivery of transformation.

• 3.15pm Comfort and networking break – last chance to visit exhibitors!

• 3.30pm Maintaining your personal and professional resilience, the next chapters - as LGR is now on the horizon! Lynn Mead FCPFA – Founder, Dynamic Focus – and Team and Personal Development Coach - leading a participative session to inspire you and develop your confidence in your personal and professional life.

• 4.40pm Conference conclusions and closure for 4.45pm – John Barker, Conference Chair

Breakout sessions are confirmed for the lunchtime break – your buffet may be taken to these sessions.

1. A CIPFA AI case studies project led by Florence Bastos, CIPFA's Technology Policy Advisor

Unlocking Technology ROI – Share Your Story

CIPFA is building a set of real‑world case studies that show how public bodies are turning investment in technology and AI into measurable value. We are especially keen to hear from organisations that are assessing AI return on investment across three areas:

• Efficiency gains – time saved, smoother processes, reduced costs
• Employee experience – how AI is changing the way people work
• Public value – better outcomes for citizens and communities

Taking part is straightforward. It involves a short scoping call and then completing a simple case study template, which should take around 90 minutes in total.

Kind regards

Florence Bastos | FCCA

Technology Policy Advisor

E [email protected]

(More material on CIPFA's AI initiatives can be found in the attachment here - an Essex Hub Group presentation now provided by Florence for delegates to our Spring Conference)

2. Treasury Management dealing platform demonstration – by the MoneyFundMarket (MFM) team

An explanation and demonstration of this new platform designed to increase the scope and efficiency of local authority treasury management activity.

The exhibitors will include CCLA, HeyCentric, Moore Insight and MFM

Additional Information:

Tower Street Car Park is located below the venue - all day parking is £18.60 (Tower St, Winchester SO23 8TA).

Cattle Market/Worthy Lane Cap Parks are a 5min walk from the venue - all day parking is £7.30 (SO23 7AB).

Park and Ride: Park & Ride - Winchester City Council

For any additional dietary requirements, parking information, or access requirements, please contact Rebecca Avery ([email protected])

For general queries about the event please contact John Barker, President Emeritus CIPFA SE ([email protected])

Venue and travel information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/business/venue-hire/room-search/ashburton-hall.