CIPFA South East Region Sussex Conference
Event summary
Our 2025 Sussex Conference explores topical issues with quality presenters. The future for local government in Sussex and beyond, devolution and LGR will all feature as will some of CIPFA’s latest assessments following the expected Spending Review announcement on 11 June. A forward look at the trends for inflation and interest rates is included. A panel session will explore and debate the opportunities for successful transformation and potential AI introduction to improve service delivery. An interactive workshop will highlight the importance of maintaining your personal resilience as you navigate the challenges presented in these times of significant organisational changes.
Date
10 July 2025
Starts: 09:30
Ends: 16:00
Location
The Keep
Woollards Way
Falmer
Brighton
BN1 9BP
[See map]
Standard price
£0.00 excl VAT
Network Member Price
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About this event
This day provides an opportunity for our regional members at all levels and our students and apprentices to learn more about and participate in discussion around key issues currently influencing our public services.
The personal resilience session will offer some ‘take aways’ for you and your team to discuss and practice as you experience change and transformation.
You will network with colleagues and meet with our presenters, regional event sponsors and exhibitors throughout the day.
Agenda
The detailed programme is being developed and should be available on our website in early June.
Topics and presenters include –
LGR/Devolution developments – Mike Suarez & Ian Gutsell (the s151 Officers for West & East Sussex CCs).
Dual challenges of LGR/Devolution - Guy Clifton, Director. Grant Thornton UK LLP (invited)
Joanne Pitt - CIPFA Senior Policy Manager.
Future for Local Audit - Andrew Chappell, Senior Quality Manager, PSAA
UK Inflation & Interest rates – what’s the direction of travel?
Alex Collingwood, Managing Director, Munix Municipal Exchange.
Developing and maintaining your personal resilience -
(Workshop session led by Lynn Mead FCPFA, career transition and development coach)
Sponsors
This is conference is hosted by East Sussex CC, joint owners of The Keep.
CPD Hours
6.5 hours.
Speaker - Guy Clifton, Director, Public Sector Assurance, Grant Thornton UK LLP
A CIPFA qualified accountant who started his local government career in 1990, Guy joined Grant Thornton in 2007 where he has held a number of senior consulting, advisory and assurance roles. Before joining Grant Thornton, he was a Managing Consultant within RSM Robson Rhodes public sector advisory practice for 5 years. Prior to this he spent 12 years in local government holding a number of operational roles, including Head of Finance of a London Borough. He took up his current role as Local Government Value for Money Director in 2022.
Speaker - Joanne Pitt, Senior Policy Manager (Local Government), CIPFA
Joanne Pitt is an experienced local government adviser and has 25 years of public sector experience. She was responsible for the delivery of the CIPFA Financial Management Code and is an advocate of strong financial management and good governance.
She is a national speaker and author of numerous publications on topics such as government funding, housing and financial sustainability. Through her work with CFOs across the country she supports local government improvement and reform using data analysis and strong evidence-based insight.
Speaker - Alex Collingwood - Adviser, Munix Municipal Exchange
Alex has been a community leader since 1991, having served at all levels of Local government including Town, District, Unitary and County Council. Currently he is a member of the Audit Committee of Buckinghamshire Unitary Council.
Commercially, Alex has over 35 years of experience of Global Corporate Banking, Trade Finance Origination & Leadership including fintech technology delivering significant revenue & capital returns to ensure Go to Market success.
As Global Head of Trade & Working Capital of BLME, he developed BAFT Sharia Finance rules & advised UK government.