2009 HFMA Awards

The NHS has made major strides forward in recent years – improving services, access and quality. This has been built on a foundation of a strong and improving financial position. Finance professionals have played a major part in this improvement process, raising their own standards and the standards of financial management generally, as practised by all NHS staff, across their organisations. The HFMA Awards celebrate excellence in finance departments, showcasing best practice and achievement in financial management and governance. This is important as, while the public sector ethos is as strong in finance departments as it is in front line services, the important work of these teams is all too often overlooked.

And by showcasing the best of NHS finance, the awards also hope to highlight and spread best practice. This will be even more important than ever in the coming years. While the NHS has achieved much in recent years, we are moving into challenging times. The wider economic climate means that future financial settlements for the NHS will be much tighter than in the last decade. Yet the demand for further improvement and enhanced quality will not relent. Efficiency, productivity and innovation, built on a solid base of good governance, will be the key to success and examples of best practice should be shared as widely as possible.

Now in its fifth year, HFMA’s awards programme recognises the work of finance teams and individuals from across the UK. The awards cover the fundamental aspects of the finance team role including the production of accounts (made more challenging by ever faster close deadlines and the preparation for new accounting standards), governance, training and development as well as the vital area of efficiency. Crucially, given the importance of spreading financial awareness outside of finance departments, the awards also focus on the importance of engaging clinicians in financial management.

HFMA is recognised as ‘The Voice of Healthcare Finance’. The awards ceremony at HFMA’s Annual Conference in December will be an opportunity for that voice to be heard celebrating the contribution and success of finance teams across the UK with an audience of nearly 750 of your peers. I would therefore commend these awards to you, and actively encourage you to nominate your organisation or colleagues for such recognition.

Bill Shields, Chairman, HFMA

About the Awards

The awards are managed by HFMA’s professional committees and special interest groups, which are all volunteer networks, manned by experts within their relative fields of practice.

The aim of the awards is to recognise achievement and innovation in financial management and governance in the UK health service. Good financial management and strong governance provide the foundation for the delivery of high quality health services and the contribution of staff in these areas should not be overlooked.

The awards also look to raise awareness of and spread good and best practice.

Who are the awards for?

These awards are given to organisations, teams or individuals, who are judged to best meet the criteria set against the individual awards.

Who can enter?

The awards are open to all healthcare organisations and employees across the UK – both executives and non-executives. We are also happy to receive entries from voluntary or private sector organisations whose principal activities are the provision of health services.

What winners receive

• A unique, specially commissioned glass award
• Invites to HFMA’s annual gala dinner in December where the awards will be announced amongst 750 of your peers
• Coverage of their achievement in Healthcare Finance magazine and special Awards Supplement
• Recognition by peers of best practices across the UK healthcare industry

All shortlisted entries will be invited to HFMA’s annual gala dinner and awards evening where the winners will be revealed. The event will take place on the evening of Thursday 10th December 2009 at the London Hilton Metropole.  Additional tickets may be made available should individuals, teams or organisations wish to purchase a further allocation to enjoy this glittering black-tie event (subject to availability).

Key dates

• 2nd October 2009 – Entry deadline•        
• October 2009 – Short listed organisations announced and where applicable invited to present their application
• 10th December 2009 – HFMA annual gala dinner and awards ceremony, London Hilton Metropole Hotel, 7pm ‘til late, black-tie.