The team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have officially been awarded with the Future Focused Finance Accreditation Level 1, from the Finance Leadership Council.
The Trust’s finance department has been awarded a new accreditation thanks to their dedication to improving services and office process.
Stuart Irvine, who is Deputy Director for the department said: “I’m pleased to say that we have achieved our Level 1 Accreditation. We received formal confirmation in January of this year – a positive reflection of the team and the Trust.
“We have had to demonstrate that as an organisation and as a team we’re providing and displaying the very best finance skills and development culture. This was specifically in areas such as infrastructure, personal and professional development.”
The journey to finance accreditation
Back in 2017 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust was declared an organisation in financial deficit. Although alarming – fast forward to 2020 and the Trusts landscape is ever changing. The accreditation is affirmation that actions to date are a step in the right direction.
The Future Focused Finance programme is aimed at improving NHS Finance nationally by engaging Trusts in the delivery of quality services for their patients. Having the independent, nationally recognised accreditation attached to your Trust signifies the high standard of Finance that can be expected within an organisation.
The accreditation process for Level 1 required the Trust to demonstrate good working practice in six key areas. The award lasts for three years before reapplication and reassessments must be completed.
The areas demonstrated were:
- Infrastructure,
- Personal development,
- Professional development,
- Finance workforce and career planning,
- Corporate financial competence and;
- Business controls and policy
Stuart added: “We’re really grateful to everyone on the team. They have been invaluable throughout the process. Without their hard work and dedication, it wouldn’t have been possible.
“We’re also looking forward to striving towards the Level 2 accreditation in the very near future. This will involve an external visit from peers to assess the next level of competency.”