Service plan 2008

The CIPFA Finance Advisory Network (FAN) was launched in January 2002, since when it has gone from strength to strength. The Welsh element of the network is now able to boast of an impressive membership of 17 public sector bodies in Wales, mainly local authorities but also including fire authorities.

The network is built upon a clear vision and objective. It is designed for finance professionals, members and other local authority officers who wish to work together to enhance the effectiveness of their financial management in supporting improved service delivery during a period of unprecedented public sector reform.

The FAN network achieves a high level of trust and joint working with its subscribers through effectively briefing them on legislative, professional and other guidance that is issued and in particular on the practical issues and implications arising. Timely and relevant practical advice is offered to support action planning for reform as it impacts upon a wide range of financial management issues and processes, strategies and procedures. In addition, through its team of lead and regional advisors, it provides expertly facilitated peer support across its membership.

During 2007 the network supported its members in a number of crucial areas, including work on the efficiency agenda, SORP 2007 Guidance notes and the new Governance Framework.

The programme of workshops and seminars for 2008/09 has been carefully considered in the light of the current issues facing local government finance teams. In 2008/09 we plan to cover International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), charging for local services, the technical requirements for financial reporting and transforming financial services. However we will keep the programme under review and be flexible in responding to emerging issues and changing subscriber priorities. More details are provided in the 2008/09 service plan and specific event information packs.

The approach taken ensures that subscribers are able to share examples of best practice and to develop practical and effective responses that address the wider improvement agenda.

The FAN provides the following support to members:

• A programme of workshops and seminars providing the latest guidance on current issues in local government finance and the opportunity to share best practice with other delegates facing similar issues.
• Access to regionally based technical advice and support
• Regular and timely E-mail news alerts and quarterly magazine FANzine
• Access to our full web-based library of documentation and briefing notes, with coverage across a wide variety of topics
• Copies of our latest Rough Guides
• The opportunity to support enhanced CPD across the finance team

The CIPFA FAN is easy to join and membership is intended to support the varied needs of different authorities. The pricing structure reflects a base level of subscription for the entire documentary, website and telephone support and starts at a four place subscription.

Above that, councils who predict they will use more places are rewarded with a declining cost per place. Until 31 March 2009 these are as follows:

Additional places over and above your level of subscription are available at a discounted cost of £300 + VAT for subscribing organisations. Non-subscribers can purchase places at £350 + VAT per place. Place usage can be applied flexibly to the FAN event programme and places are not linked directly to a particular series but can be applied in line with an authority’s training and development needs. The Subscription Period runs from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 and all prices/places are pro-rata at time of subscription.

Annette Millar

Tel: 0208 667 8535

Fax: 0208 667 8580

Rheon Tomos

Tel: 07921 529 955

Emma Stabler

Tel: 020 8864 2379

We would be very pleased to welcome you to the Welsh FAN network