Virtual Hospice Finance Directors Group
This group offers FDs the chance to hear from expert speakers, share approaches and policies and benchmark financial performance.
Virtual Hospice FD Group
Set up in 2021, this group brings hospice FDs together to hear from expert speakers on key issues, share perspectives and benchmark financial data. Indeed, Hospice UK's quarterly benchmarking grew out of the work of this group.
The group meets quarterly. We keep numbers small enough to allow everyone to participate, but large enough to get a good range of opinions. We currently have around a dozen members from different parts of the country.
Below are details about some of our recent sessions. To learn more about the group, contact me.
June 2025
21 Things about Turnarounds
This was one of the most thought provoking ever sessions of the group, as expert Simon Hopkins talked us through the 21 things he looks for when approaching a charity turnaround situation.
Simon made so many incisive insights and pointers, many of which were around culture, behaviours and ethics not just strategic financial skills. His argument that the challenges are invariably more complex and nuanced than in the corporate world certainly rang true with those on the call who have experience of working in both sectors.
There were countless others learning points from the importance of officially declaring that an organisation is in a turnaround status to open and honest communication with staff and other stakeholders.
As one participant said, much of this sounds like common sense when you hear it. But common sense is often not that common in such situations when you are under extreme pressure.
Thank you Simon
March 2025
Sustainability - Part Two
Continuing the theme from December, the group discussed four strategic approaches to developing long-term financial sustainability;
- Income Innovation & Diversification
- Strategic Collaboration
- Invoking System Change
- Retrenchment
The conclusion? No one approach will probably work on its own. And often the cultural challenges in invoking change can be as great as the need for change itself.
December 2024
Sustainability - Part One
Ensuring long-term sustainability is at the top of every hospice FD's agenda. St Helena Hospice has diversified its range of income streams by setting up a number of new enterprises. These range from running lotteries for other hospices, setting up a cleaning business to paid for bereavement services and respite care.
Kate Heslegrave, Chief Finance & Operating Officer, talked to the group about the hospice's innovative approach, but also the challenges involved - and potential further opportunities they are looking to develop.
September 2024
Sarah Belsham Data & AI
We welcomed Sarah Belsham from RSM to speak at the September session of the group.
Sarah gave the group lots of great advice on developing a strategic approach to data collection, management, governance and analysis. In addition, she emphasised the importance of adapting your approach to reflect the organisational culture and needs of people, not to be led just by the technology.
Interesting also to hear from members how hospices are using AI in different ways, including developing their own app to take minutes to meetings and to undertake data transfers from one system to another.
