Technical / New HFMA programmes get under way

Some 66 learners embarked on the inaugural intermediate qualification – which bands 2 to 6 finance staff can sign up to for free.

This first cohort brings together finance staff from across the UK and offers an opportunity to compare different structures and financial mechanisms across the UK.

It is part of the support the association is now providing to bands 2 to 6 finance staff, who are eligible for free membership to the association. Successful completion of the course leads to a level 4 certificate.

The initial programme has been based on the How finance works in the NHS module and is being led by tutor Andy Ray, a senior finance manager who has had 32 years’ experience in the NHS.

The programme is a hybrid of live tutorials and self-learning, with four live sessions over the 16-week schedule.

For the assessment, students must submit a 500-word email, simulating a briefing to their manager, and a 2,000-word report in August, with results published in September. The report is based on current financial challenges and in particular focuses on payment systems.

The association is planning to offer a second programme for a further cohort of learners later in the year.

According to Mr Ray, the response from learners has been positive. ‘The HFMA academy website is structured to help learners, particularly those who have not studied for a period and could be nervous about undertaking a structured course,’ he says.

‘Each live module has been very well attended, and the academy site is designed for questions to be posted.’

The modules are intended to give a practical learning experience of NHS finances, so learners can take this into the workplace and use.

‘It will give the learners confidence in understanding the changing NHS and the impact this will have on NHS finance,’ adds Mr Ray. ‘Clearly, it will give a financial accreditation and could then be used to go into further training within the HFMA academy.’

Meanwhile, the association also recently kicked off its executive programme in May. This is aimed specifically at senior finance managers looking for a fast-track to an MBA. Access to the MBA in healthcare business and finance, which is provided by the University of Northampton, requires the acquisition of 120 credits. These can be gained by completing two HFMA advanced diplomas, each worth 60 credits and each involving the completion two modules.

Qualified accountants with two or more years’ experience in healthcare can already gain exemption from one diploma. However, the new executive programme offers a further exemption from one module for senior finance managers at bands 8d and above who have demonstrated a high level of prior experiential learning.

The programme is built around the Creating and delivering value in healthcare module. This is taught over a 12-week timetable rather than the usual 17 weeks allowed for an HFMA advanced diploma module and is led by experienced former NHS finance director Letsie Tilley.

The programme alternates weeks of self-study plus a tutorial, with weeks solely devoted to self-study.

It started in May with a two-day, face-to-face launch event in London (pictured). There are 10 learners on the initial programme, including finance directors and deputies as well as a director of transformation.