Ahead of the second ICAEW Public Sector Conference on 9 December, Alison Ring, Director for Public Sector and Taxation at ICAEW, recorded a video interview with Michael Izza, ICAEW Chief Executive.

The discussion focussed on the importance of good governance and risk management in the public sector, the theme for this year’s conference.

“We are all expecting 2023 to be a challenging year with reduced budgets and resources in the public sector – there is a danger that we look at making savings in governance, which would be a real mistake,” says Izza. “The conference panellists have significant experience in this area, so hopefully attendees will go back to their organisations with some practical ideas and reminders of what they need to do to ensure that good governance is maintained during this particularly difficult period.”

Izza notes: “Good governance in the public sector goes a long way to ensuring the financial and reputational health of local authorities and central government.” He goes on to describe effective governance as “ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time with the right information asking the right questions to make the best possible decisions”.

Who’s on the panel?

The first panel discussion will give attendees the opportunity to hear from three leading local government experts including Sir Tony Redmond, who is passionate about good governance and the role accountants can play in strengthening governance at local authorities.

The first keynote address will be given by Gareth Davies, the Comptroller and Auditor General, who will be explaining the role the NAO is playing in holding central government to account and promoting good governance. The second keynote speaker is Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

Risk management in the public sector will be addressed by four panellists, each with different perspectives including Clive Martin, the head of the recently established risk profession in central government.

Ring ends the interview by asking Izza what he would say to those who are feeling “a bit webinar-weary”. Izza notes that webinars are an increasing part of our professional development and emphasises both the importance of this topic and the important role of accountants in the public sector, where public money is being managed and spent. “We shouldn’t think that this is a webinar that we can skip,” he says, adding that watching it live on the day gives attendees an opportunity to ask questions of the panellists and speakers.

Here are more details on how to book your free place at ICAEW’s Public Sector Conference. 

Watch Alison Ring's interview with Michael Izza (free, but registration required).