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 and exhibitions open
• 9.25 AM: Welcome to delegates and an introduction to the conference programme. John Barker, President Emeritus, CIPFA South East Regional Council. (Conference Chair), Catherine Edgecombe, Hampshire County Council

• 9.30 AM: Overall financial positions - financial and service implications in Hampshire’s geographical county. (1) Hampshire CC’s position - Catherine Edgecombe (Deputy Director of CO), (2) Demand pressures (Adults and Social Care) – a Unitary Council’s perceptions. SCC Rep, (3) Housing provision and market developments - responding to central government's aspirations on expanding the provisoin and addressing homelessness - Suzanne Jones, CIPFA

• 10.30 AM: Exploring new opportunities? Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs) As (or when) existing services or functions are reconfigured, opportunities are likely to arise for consideration of the range of arrangements for their future delivery. A potential could include a LATCo. What are they? Issues to consider and the steps to establishing one. Geoff Tucker, Group Business Development Director, Norse Group

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

• 11.45 AM Assessing LG Financial Sustainability nationally, now and through LGR. Bevis Ingram, Local Government Association, Sali Miftair, EY-Parthenon, and Graham Oliver, Director, Moore Insight.

• 12.30 PM: CIPFA’s strategy to support its membership and their organisations as the twin agendas of LGR and Devolution develop. A briefing on CIPFA’s workplans for 2026-28, an update on planned CIPFA/ICAEW integration and an invitation (as the day progresses) for delegates to raise issues with Iain informally. Iain Murray – Director of Public Financial Management, CIPFA

• 1.00 PM: Buffet lunch and networking – and exhibitors invite you to visit them. The exhibitor tables will be positioned within Ashburton Hall and will be staffed during the morning, afternoon and lunch breaks.

• 2.10 PM: ‘Keeping the balance’ Graham will discuss the importance of financial controls around the balance sheet, primarily working capital and ensuring you understand the balances that are there. Graham Oliver, Director, Moore-Insight
• 2.45 PM: ‘Survival, Strategy and Change’- from finance function to capability engine. What are finance leaders and their teams facing? Identification and analysis of positioning and skills for an effective contribution to the successful design and delivery of transformation. Jason R Granger, Value for Money Manager, PS Audit, Grant Thornton UKLLP

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

• 3.30 PM: Building networks and 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

Zurich Municipal – planning for a proposed LGR Risk and Governance themed Roundtable to be offered in the Wessex area

A conference exhibition table will be staffed by Zurich Municipal staff - who will be keen to meet Wessex delegates to help identify topics of interest (or concern) around LGR which can be explored in a proposed LGR Risk and Governance themed Roundtable to be offered soon in this part of our Region. As well as meeting risk managers, ZM staff are keen to engage with key finance leaders – especially given the government announcement just made that most of the existing LGR announcements are to be reviewed ‘at pace’. Please discuss potential themes with your teams prior to the conference and come prepared to share suggestions with ZM colleagues.

Reminders of ZM’s proposed Roundtable will be announced at intervals during the conference.

Wessex Conference 2026 Sponsors and Exhibitors: Norse Group, Dynamic Focus, HeyCentric, LG Futures, Moore Insight

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.