Comment / Vision on

We've had a really healthy response to the '31 days in May' consultation concerning our strategy. We're busy evaluating all the comments as we take a final version to the board in July. Most of the scores were rated at 95%+ for each of the strands, which is very heartening. However, as usual it is the free text comments that provide the most insight into what people think. Of course many just said 'well done', but there were a few themes that fall out from the comments.

Some were sceptical about HFMA TV – an initiative listed in the education strand. I think we probably jumped too far into the detail with that one. Our intention is to develop more online content and explore, for example, the streaming of content. HFMA TV won't therefore be MTV or YouTube, it will be a vehicle with which to launch more content for the use of members. This could be important sessions at conferences, webinar content or other material, which would enable you as a member to keep abreast of what’s going on.

Many respondents were also unclear about the development of a professional qualification. I think at this point I need to make it clear we are not planning to develop a qualification akin to those provided by CCAB/CIMA. That market is crowded enough already and we do not intend to enter it.

However, we do believe there is enough material to develop higher level opportunities for potential finance directors, senior staff or individuals who may want to be recognised in specific areas such as costing or charitable funds. Modules would be more in-depth than our current e-learning offering and all would lead to wider certification and recognition within the healthcare sector.

Many have suggested that endorsing an MBA might be a good step and this might be part of the solution. However, we do not believe this can be our whole response to the qualification agenda.

Another comment was about our desire to grow our reserves. I think it’s important to note that our professional fees for individual members are likely to remain at £65 (£60 if paid by direct debit) for the foreseeable future. In fact, we only charge £40/£35 for band 5s and below.

Our cash assets are quite low at present and so to build the necessary resilience, our plan is to build reserves over a three-year period. However, we do this in the full knowledge of the pressures facing the NHS. Sponsorship and commercial support will play a significant part in this strategy, alongside our continued aims to deliver high-quality services to the sector. This commercial support remains crucial to the long-term viability of the association in its current form.

So a big thank you to everyone for their contributions and support. I am heartened at just how many people have taken the time to respond to the association’s strategy. We still have heaps to do, but hopefully you’re seeing the investment in Paul Briddock, our new policy director, paying off through more media coverage and policy pronouncements.

If there’s ever anything you feel could be done better by the association don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] We’re always looking to improve and serve you the members.