CIPFA South East is pleased to announce the return of the Wessex Conference.

CIPFA Wessex Conference 2026

Join us for the CIPFA Wessex Conference 2026. This in-person conference will be held at Ashburton Hall in Winchester, SO23 8TG, United Kingdom.

This CPD event is sponsored by CIPFA South East Region’s 2026 Event Partners. This annual event returns with a programme covering local and national topical issues and gives an opportunity to meet and network face to face throughout the day.

A light buffet lunch will be provided. Please see 'aditional information' for dietary requirements.

This event is open to CIPFA members and non-members working in public finance so please feel free to share with any other contacts you know who may be interested.

PROGRAMME BELOW IS THE EXISTING ONE FROM THE CANCELLED EVENT. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH OUR SPEAKERS TO ESTABLISH AN UPDATED VERSION DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY.

Conference Programme (we reserve the right to update this version as circumstances require):

8.45 AM: Delegate Registration and networking refreshments and exhibitions open

9.15 AM: Welcome to delegates and an introduction to the conference programme. John Barker, President Emeritus, CIPFA South East Regional Council. (Conference Chair)

9.20 AM: CIPFA’s strategy to support its membership and their organisations as the twin agendas of LGR and Devolution develop. A briefing on CIPFA’s workplans for 2026-28, an update on planned CIPFA/ICAEW integration and an invitation (as the day progresses) for delegates to raise issues with Iain informally. Iain Murray – Director of Public Financial Management, CIPFA

9.35 AM: Overall financial positions - financial and service implications in Hampshire’s geographical county. (1) Hampshire CC’s position - Catherine Edgecombe (Deputy Director of CO)(2) Demand pressures (Adults and Social Care) – a Unitary Council’s perceptions. Kay Reeve (Director of Adult Social Care) and Jonathan Evans (Adult Social Care Finance Business Partner)

10.20 AM Assessing LG Financial Sustainability nationally, now and through LGR. Bevis Ingram, Local Government Association, Marcus Richards, Partner EY and Graham Oliver, Director, Moore Insight.

11.15 AM: Refreshment and networking break – exhibitors invite you to visit them

11.45 AM: Strategic Authorities and their roles in the Devolution timetable. Information, commentary and some personal reflections as these new authorities take shape. Amardeep Gill (Partner, Trowers & Hamlins) and Dr Ruth Adams (Interim Chief Executive of the Hampshire and the Solent CCA).

12.45 PM: Buffet lunch and networking – and exhibitors invite you to visit them

1.50 PM: Exploring new opportunities? Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs) Richard Gawthorpe, Business Development Director, Norse Group

2.30 PM: ‘Maintaining your balance’ – Graham Oliver, Director, Moore-Insight

2.45 PM: ‘Survival, Strategy and Change’- from finance function to capability engine. What are finance leaders and their teams facing? Identification and analysis of positioning and skills for an effective contribution to the successful design and delivery of transformation. Jason R Granger, Value for Money Manager, PS Audit, Grant Thornton UKLLP

3.15 PM: Comfort and networking break – last chance to visit exhibitors!

3.30 PM: Building networks and maintaining your personal and professional resilience, the next chapters….as LGR is now on the horizon! Lynn Mead FCPFA – Founder, Dynamic Focus – and Team and Personal Development Coach - leading a participative session to inspire you and develop your confidence in your personal and professional life.

4.40pm Conference conclusions and closure for 4.45pm – John Barker, Conference Chair

Two discretionary breakout sessions are planned during the lunchtime break and your buffet lunch may be taken there. Pre-registration on arrival will help identify the appropriate rooms for these sessions.

(1) Bringing the results - harnessing AI effectively

A commentary on AI’s potential within public services, successful Unit 4 applications in place or in development, some common pitfalls and an emphasis of the need for robust planning when considering AI applications.

Ian Owen, Global Head of Public Sector and Higher Education, Unit 4

(2) Treasury Management dealing platform demonstration

An explanation and demonstration of this new platform designed to increase the scope and efficiency of local authority treasury management activity.

Peter Woodberry-Watts and the MoneyFundMarket (MFM) team

Wessex Conference 2026 Sponsors and Exhibitors: Norse Group, Dynamic Focus, LG Futures, Money Fund Market (MFM), Moore Insight

Additional Information:

Tower Street Car Park is located below the venue - all day parking is £18.60 (Tower St, Winchester SO23 8TA).

Cattle Market/Worthy Lane Cap Parks are a 5min walk from the venue - all day parking is £7.30 (SO23 7AB).

Park and Ride: Park & Ride - Winchester City Council

For any additional dietary requirements, parking informat

Description supplied by the event organiser.