Join fellow Finance Directors and senior finance leaders from VODG member organisations for the latest meeting of the Finance Directors' Professional Network. This session will provide timely insight into some of the most significant policy, financial and operational developments affecting social care providers, as well as an opportunity to connect with peers and help shape future network discussions.
The meeting will begin with an update on local government reorganisation and the implications for social care providers. As councils across England continue to evolve, understanding the potential impact on commissioning, funding arrangements and strategic relationships will be vital for finance leaders planning for the future.
We will also explore the current pensions landscape in social care, including developments relating to a proposed social care pension scheme, key legislative and policy developments, emerging trends, and practical considerations for organisations managing pension provision in a changing environment.
The final presentation will examine the growing challenge of AI-generated employment complaints and recent employment rights developments. With increasing numbers of complex claims placing pressure on legal budgets, governance and operational resources, this session will provide valuable insight into the financial implications, organisational risks and key considerations for finance teams.
This is an essential event for finance professionals seeking to stay informed, anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, and engage with peers on the issues shaping the future of social care.



|
14.00 |
Welcome |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG |
|
14.05 |
Introductions |
VODG Co-chairs |
|
14.10 |
Local Government Reorganisation – overview of current developments and implications for providers |
Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive, VODG |
|
14.40 |
The Current Pensions Landscape – social care pensions, Unison proposal, key watch points and future trends |
Alisdair Russell-Smith, Consultant, Spence and Partners |
|
15.15 |
Employment Rights and AI-generated Complaints – impact on legal costs, finance teams and organisational risk |
Laura Welchew, Partner, Trowers and Hamlins |
|
15.45 |
Future topics |
VODG Co-chairs |
|
15.55 |
Final round-up |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG |
|
16.00 |
End |
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].
Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group
Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group
Chief Financial Officer, Royal Mencap
Chief Financial Officer, Royal Mencap
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.

Chief Executive, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
Prior to joining VODG Rhidian’s career spanned a range of senior research, regulation and consultancy roles. He worked in management consultancy across the health and social care sectors and before that in regulation. Earlier in his career Rhidian held academic appointments, leading programmes of social policy research.
Rhidian was educated at the University of York where he also earned his Doctorate.

Consultant, Spence
Alistair is the Charity and Corporate advisory lead. He has more than 20 years of experience as an Actuary working for DB and DC pension schemes. In his role, Alistair provides advice for employers and third-sector bodies on all aspects of pension provision.
Before joining Spence, Alistair was a Partner and Head of Corporate Defined Benefit Pensions at Hymans Robertson – a position he held since 2018, having joined the business in 2000. He also led Hymans’ third sector offering and has extensive experience working with clients in the not-for-profit sector. His work focused on funding and de-risking solutions, benefit strategy, and more sector-specific issues like managing participation in multi-employer pension schemes.
In recent years, he has advised corporates on DB consolidation options including transferring to commercial consolidators and DB master trusts. He also worked with corporates on their DB funding approaches in light of the new DB funding regime. Alistair’s strength lies in his profound understanding of the intricacies of the financial industry, coupled with a keen insight into the dynamics of the not-for-profit sector.

Partner, Trowers & Hamlins
Laura is a Partner in the Employment department, and specialises in all aspects of employment law acting for a wide range of public and private sector employers. Laura takes pride in working as business partner to her HR clients, and really getting to know the ins and outs of each business and its commercial goals as an employer.
Laura regularly acts for respondents in complex and valuable tribunal claims. Laura advises on all employee relations matters including disciplinary and grievance issues, sickness absence, capability issues, restructures and redundancies and employment contracts.
Laura has particular experience of advising registered providers on governance compliant termination payments, various matters arising out of the Working Time Regulations such as sleep-ins and on call rotas and complex trade union issues including difficult consultation and de-recognition processes. Laura regularly assists clients on TUPE transactions, with particular focus on supporting the Public Sector department with local authority contracts.
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