Today’s event in Basildon was a chance to investigate tools and techniques to improve Forecasting and Financial Modelling in the NHS.

Get the skills to forecast confidently and improve financial control through financial modelling.
This one day interactive workshop is the essential practical introduction to the skills and knowledge needed by finance staff to be able to forecast successfully and to create robust and reliable financial models. It covers alternative methods of forecasting in the NHS and best practice in developing financial models.
The workshop is designed for finance staff with responsibility for forecasting and financial modelling. Engaging practical exercises are backed-up by simple theory to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topics. This workshop covers all the forecasting methods available to accountants, the reasons for poor forecasts and how to avoid them and a best practice guide to spreadsheet modelling.
This workshop relates to the KSF dimension G4: Financial Management.

Evaluations

Comments on the evaluation forms included (with kind written permission received from each person):

“Excellent, especially the end bit. Good material.” – Angel Herrera Hernandez, Senior Management Accountant, NHS Peterborough
“Really excellent course. Would like 2 days.” – Peter Bebbington, Peterborough Community Services
“Really good day. Well delivered as usual.” – Andy Jackson, Management Accountant,Peterborough Community Services

Resources

Here are the resources from the day – please use the Username and Password given to you to access them – thank you!

A copy of the authorised version of the Best Practice Spreadsheet Modelling Standards. The Spreadsheet Standards Review Board is the body that develops and maintains the Best Practice Spreadsheet Modelling Standards. The SSRB was established by BPM Analytical Empowerment Pty Ltd to bring together the best spreadsheet modelling skills from around the world in order to develop and gain general acceptance for comprehensive and universally applicable Best Practice Spreadsheet Modelling Standards:

BPSM Best Practice Spreadsheet Modelling Standards

A simple Visual Basic Excel macro which will colour-code cells to highlight the contents of each cell with different formats:

Colour Coding Excel Macro

An Excel workbook containing some simple suggestions for spreadsheet design:

Spreadsheet Tips

Principles, Techniques and Practice of Spreadsheet Style by Philip L. Bewig — July 28, 2005:

How do you know your spreadsheet is right?

Spreadsheet Modelling Best Practice by Nick Read and Jonathan Batson – April 1999:

IBM Spreadsheet Modelling Best Practice

CIMA’s review of In-year Financial Forecasting in the NHS from 2007:

In-year Financial Forecasting in the NHS – CIMA

The Forecasting Principles web site:

Forecasting Principles

Please get in touch if you would like any further resources or information.