Briefing / NHS finance: designing our future

This document sets out a suggested long-term vision for the finance profession in the NHS. It will be supported by a range of engagement opportunities and the views of all NHS finance staff will be welcomed.

Those who work in the function demonstrate integrity and dedication and enable the system to evolve and transform to provide the care and support that the population needs. NHS finance staff work within a complex web of professions, both within the NHS and the wider public sector, who support those most in need at critical stages of their lives.

However, the profession cannot be complacent. We need to ensure that NHS finance becomes the employer of choice for those entering the profession, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion within finance departments.

Our vision is that working in NHS finance is something that people aspire to. It will be consistently rated as one of the best and most diverse employers in the country; developing its own staff and attracting the best from elsewhere. The profession will be recognised as a key ingredient to delivering world class healthcare, innovating to drive value and enabling the best outcomes for patients.

This paper highlights some of the issues that the finance function will need to think about if we are to achieve our potential and support better decisions to lead to better health.