Over 150 BUFDG members joined co-chairs Helen Hammond (University of Nottingham) and James Allman (Cranfield University) for presentations and discussion.
Deloitte gave a useful recap of the key changes in the new FEHE SORP 2026, and how these impact research finance teams, you can watch the full presentation here.
BUFDG members were asked to complete a short poll re. IFS (more detail in BUFDG updates below), share incentivisation policies, and save the date for next Forum (1.30-3pm Weds 14 October).
BUFDG will:
Arrange a session with Andrea (BUFDG Tax Specialist) re. VAT on KTPs
Invite Rod Viggers to a future meeting for funding assurance update
Follow up with Leila Cole re. compliance hub
Explore a Warwick demo of automated salary adjustment journals using power BI
Joni Rhodes shared guidance on accessing the BUFDG Research Finance Teams channels.
Joni Rhodes shared BUFDG updates, you can watch a 9-minute recording here until 30 June or a short sumary below:
1. Innovate UK engagement
- A series of Innovate UK drop-in sessions has been running over the past five months (with one more scheduled in July).
- These have been useful for addressing common issues (particularly Horizon Europe Guarantee), although queries are starting to repeat.
- BUFDG will review the future format following discussion with Innovate UK at the next quarterly meeting.
- Recordings and notes from sessions will be shared for those unable to attend.
- A poll is live (until 26 June) to capture feedback on issues with the IFS system – responses are encouraged to help prioritise improvements with developers.
2. TRAC facilities
- Progress following the late 2025 discussion (involving UKRI, Jisc, TRAC Development Group, and others) has stalled.
- UKRI had been progressing a paper and wider data-gathering work, but updates have not been forthcoming despite follow-up.
- BUFDG is continuing to push for clarity and will share any updates.
3. New strategic research group
- BUFDG is establishing a new senior-level group (CFO-led) to focus on strategic changes in the research funding landscape.
- This will complement the operational focus of the forum and address broader issues such as sustainability and funding reforms.
- Malcolm Ace (CFO, King’s College London) will chair the group, with involvement from key stakeholders (e.g. ARMA, Research England).
- TRAC cost recovery and facilities have already been flagged as key topics for this group.
20 June 2026 
Joni Rhodes, Deputy Executive Director
