The next meeting of the Finance Directors' professional network is now open for booking, and we have an engaging agenda focused on several key themes.
We will kick off with interactive polls that allow members to anonymously share real-time insights on fee uplift requests and outcomes, while ensuring commercial confidentiality. This will be followed by a crucial discussion on the recruitment of overseas workers and how this may impact agency costs within our members’ organisations.
Next, we will explore future VODG Benchmarking Programmes and gather valuable feedback for upcoming initiatives.
Finally, we will conclude the meeting with an important update on fraud prevention. This session is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to stay ahead of fraudsters, safeguarding their organisations against potential financial losses and reputational damage.
We look forward to your participation in what promises to be a valuable meeting!
Addressing Challenges in Recruiting Overseas Workers and Impact on Agency Costs
This topic is particularly timely, considering recent changes in immigration policies and their influence on workforce availability. During this session, we will cover the following key points:
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The Anticipated Reduction in Overseas Workers: An analysis of the forecasted decline in the availability of overseas workers over the next 2-3 years as existing visas expire and new immigration policies come into effect.
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Increased Reliance on Agency Staff: A discussion on how organisations may increasingly depend on agency staff as a result of this reduction, and the financial implications of this trend.
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The group will then be offered the opportunity to discuss mitigation strategies and best practices, considering practical advice and effective strategies to manage rising agency costs and mitigate the associated risks.
Employment Rights Act 2025 - Financial Impact and Forecasting Readiness
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is estimated by the government to present an annual cost of £1 billion to UK employers. This session, led by Richard Maitland from MHA, will focus on the phased implementation of the Act’s 28 different provisions across 2026 and into 2027. What impacts arise on employer organisations and what workforce cost modelling can be considered in response. How Finance and HR functions need to coordinate around the employee data and forecasting information required.
Fraud Prevention and Detection | Staying Ahead of the Curve
In this session, we'll be joined by VODG partners, MHA and Anthony Collins, who will provide an update on the latest fraud trends and regulatory changes impacting the social care sector.
The presenters will cover:
- Overview of the new Fraud Prevention and Detection regulations (ECTA) and which organisations they apply to
- Common fraud schemes and red flags finance directors should be aware of, including payroll fraud, and procurement scams
- Best practices for strengthening internal controls and fraud detection processes
- Case studies of fraud incidents and lessons learned
There will be ample time for Q&A, so finance directors can get their specific questions answered and learn how to bolster their organisation's fraud prevention efforts.
Speakers
Joshua Butt
Richard Maitland
Laura Jordan
Stuart McKay
Chris Rising
Draft Programme
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10.00 |
VODG Welcome |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG |
|
10.05 |
Introductions |
VODG Co-chairs |
|
10.10 |
Addressing Challenges in Recruiting Overseas Workers and Impact on Agency Costs |
Joshua Butt, Principal Consultant at Cordis Bright |
|
10.40 |
Employment Rights Act 2025 - financial impact and forecasting readiness |
Richard Maitland, Partner at MHA |
|
11.05 |
Fraud Prevention and Detection | Staying Ahead of the Curve |
Laura Jordan, Partner at Anthony Collins and Stuart McKay and Chris Rising, Partners at MHA |
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11.50 |
Future Topics |
VODG Co-chairs |
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11.55 |
Final Roundup |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG |
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12.00 |
End |
Accessibility
Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Network Co-Chair
Richard Blakey
Richard joined Mencap from Settle, a Hertfordshire based Housing Association, where he was Executive Director of Finance and Resources. Before then, Richard worked in senior finance roles across a series of public and third sector organisations including Peabody, and Essex County Council.
