LOCSU’s Inaugural Treasurers’ Conference is a Great Success
28 February 2025
This month, almost 50 people joined LOCSU’s inaugural Treasurers’ conference in London.
LOC Treasurers of all levels and experience were invited to attend the event, led by Lisa Stonham, Data Insight and Information Officer at LOCSU, alongside Janice Foster, LOCSU CEO, and Anne Marie Millar, Non-Executive Director, LOCSU Audit Committee Finance who chaired the day.
The conference covered succession planning, best practice and provided Treasurers with practical tools for day-to-day accounting and forecasting. Delegates heard from Asim Chaudhry from Locumkit, who discussed PAYE year-end planning and resources, as well as Sarah Kinsey from Menzies accountancy firm who presented template examples for record keeping and overall best practice. The Q&A session that followed Sarah’s session was welcomed by treasurers as it provided the opportunity to ask specific accounting and finance questions.
Speaking at the event, Sara Shakir, Treasurer at Berkshire LOC, said: “I’ve been treasurer for about 18 months and today’s forum was really a plethora of knowledge. I learnt so much from all the different LOC’s, liaising with how they run things and how we do things differently. I’m very thankful to the LOCSU team for putting this forum together and inviting us all here today.”
Bryony Allen, Chair at Hampshire LOC, said: “I came to the treasurer day today in place of my treasurer who wasn’t able to attend. It’s been really interesting, as a chair, to listen to what being a treasurer involves. As well as this, hearing about the opportunities of how we can work more closely together to build success, excitement and story about being a treasurer and what that value adds to the LOC and the local community.”
Anne Marie Millar said: “I think the day has gone really well. The level of engagement and interest in the sessions was phenomenal and there was lots of opportunity to meet with colleagues, share experiences and hopefully take ideas, thoughts and contacts away.”
Janice Foster, LOCSU CEO, commented: “Treasurers play a critical role within LOC’s, underpinning all activity. The vital work they do ensures that LOCs have the resources they need to develop and expand important primary care services to make a difference to local contractors and people in their area.
“The enthusiasm in the room has been amazing. It’s been a very informative event with lots of learning and meeting friends, new and old, from across England. The feedback has been incredibly positive. We are excited about our next large event, the National Optical Conference (NOC) and look forward to seeing everyone in Birmingham 18th and 19th May where we will continue the sharing, learning and networking.”