Benefits for UK Higher Education Finance
With demands from government to work more closely with industry and commerce and with sources of funding in universities now more diverse than ever, there has never been more need for Directors of Finance to be able to talk about finance, business and management issues. The British Universities Finance Directors' Group provides the ideal forum for them to do so, through email discussion lists, meetings, training events, conferences and this website.
By forming BUFDG, we have provided a voice to Higher Education Finance in the UK. This membership organisation of almost all higher education institutions provides a point of reference for government bodies, research councils and other organisations involved in higher education.
Benefits for Institutions
BUFDG provides the ideal forum for discussion about higher education finances. Through its email discussion lists, special interest groups and this website, we research and resolve issues which are important to you and your institution. In addition, the membership subscriptions and sponsorship provides the capital for BUFDG to become involved in projects such as the Partial Exemption Study, the SORP review and the HEIDI project. The results of these projects benefit all higher education institutions.
Similarly, BUFDG organises annual surveys on issues such as auditing and salaries. In doing so, members are given the opportunity to compare the situation at their own institution, with the sector as a whole - or against a select group of similar HEIs. In this way, BUFDG provides timely, appropriate and detailed information on topics relevant to your institution.
Benefits for Finance Staff
Nominally, it is the Director of Finance (or equivalent) of a higher education institution who is a member of BUFDG. However, all finance staff of member HEIs benefit from this membership. They are each entitled to a BUFDG account, which designates them a username and password for access to the BUFDG website. In addition, BUFDG has Special Interest Groups on topics such as taxation, pensions and accounting standards. By logging your special interests in your Account, you will receive extra information on the areas that are relevant to you and your position.
However, the benefits do not stop there. All finance staff of member HEIs are entitled to reduced prices on BPP Continued Professional Development courses. For more information on these courses, see the Training Page. Finally, all staff who hold a BUFDG account will automatically receive the BUFDG Weekly Digest. This is a weekly email publication which contains all the latest financial news.
Benefits for Finance Directors
As the only membership organisation for higher education finance staff, BUFDG provides the ideal forum for networking. To facilitate this, we hold an Annual Conference as well as regular Regional Meetings. The UK is divided into six regions, and all members in those regions are welcome to the meetings. In addition, representatives from other relevant organisations may be invited. For further details, please see the Events Page or contact us.
Finally, the days when a successful financial career depended solely on accounting skill are over. Nowadays, strategic thinking, management skills and excellent interpersonal abilities are important in the workplace. In addition, broad knowledge of the higher education sector and financial world are necessary in order to progress. By joining BUFDG, you will have the opportunity to improve all these aspects of your career, through our information resources, our training courses, and our networking opportunities. By joining one of our Special Interest Groups or our Executive, you will share these skills with your colleagues in the sector.