Featured Speakers
plenary
Stephanie Hare
Technologist & Researcher
plenary
Andrew Burns
Associate Director, CIPFA
plenary ( Chair )
Claer Barrett
Consumer Editor, the Financial Times
plenary / speaker
Dr Raphael Olaiya
Lead Data Scientist, NHS
Stephanie Hare
Former Director at Accenture Research, Stephanie Hare is a political risk analyst, historian and researcher in technology. Stephanie frequently writes editorials for the Financial Times and is a regular commentator on BBC World News, BBC World Service and Radio 4 analysing matters from China’s Huawei scandal, to cryptocurrencies,to the gender pay gap.
Stephanie has worked as an analyst at foreign policy advisory Oxford Analytica, where she conducted analysis into the euro crisis, which was covered by the BBC. She later worked as a strategist at the US software company Palantir, until she became Principal Director of Research at Accenture. Looking at technology through political and historical lenses, Stephanie’s research includes the effects of EU data protection on global companies, the ethical implications of data mining and AI, the challenges to policy making and the risks of a global technological revolution.
With an understanding of both the policy and the engineering sides of technology, in her talks Stephanie draws from a range of perspectives to cover the multilayered questions about the future. She covers everything from biometrics and AI in HR, digital footprints and the ‘datafication’ of children’s identity to consensus in policy-making, spending on cybersecurity and accountability. As in her book, Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics, she also expertly provides a practical overview of how to create and use tools and technologies to maximize benefits and minimize harm.
Andrew Burns
Andrew Burns is an Associate Director at CIPFA where his role is to enhance the strong links between CIPFA and the local government sector, building trust to improve public financial management and governance.
He was CIPFA President in 2017/18 serving an Institute with over 14,000 members worldwide who work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms and in other public bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
Until December 2018, he spent 12 years as Director of Finance and Resources for Staffordshire County Council; was Treasurer of the Staffordshire Pension Fund and a former President of the Society of County Treasurers.
He is also a trustee of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) the leading national organisation promoting and supporting excellence in governance and scrutiny across public service and an experienced Non-Executive Director in the social housing sector.
Claer Barrett
Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, Claer Barrett is an economic broadcaster and columnist. She presents the FT Money Clinic podcast, and covered business and finance news on Eddie Mair’s LBC drivetime show, making complex market issues relevant and accessible. She is also a regular on Lorraine, helping viewers with their money questions and concerns.
Prior to joining the Financial Times, Claer was the property correspondent for Investors Chronicle until she became managing editor of weekly industry magazine, Property Week. At the FT, she writes the weekly Serious Money column covering everything from saving money to the effects of Brexit on your holiday plans and hosts the Business Clinic videos. She is also a frequent commentator on radio and TV, talking about personal finance, consumer, and small business issues.
Her latest book What They Don’t Teach You About Money: Habits to Get You Unstuck and on the Road to Financial Freedom, will look at seven habits that unlock financial independence.
In her talks, Claer examines everything from the impact of financial markets on business, investment, and property, to the more personal economic affairs such as inheritance tax, pensions, and wealth management. As a former retail correspondent, Claer also looks into how consumerism has changed, the future of the high street, and the digitalisation of real estate and the financial services sector.
In applying a more human and sociological take on finance, Claer analyses the intersection between debt, finances, and mental health in the workplace. She examines its relation to womenomics (women’s financial issues), as well as how companies should embrace new ways of working to retain and support Generation X and Z staff. In lighter moments, she also looks at some of the more unusual requests for investment advice she’s received from FT readers.
Dr Raphael Olaiya
Dr Raphael Olaiya is an expert in scientific software development. In his current role as a Lead Data Scientist in the NHS, he is responsible for finding innovative solutions and strategies to improve clinical outcomes in medical settings, working with clinical data, AI, VR and AR.
After completing his Bachelor’s in Medicine, Raphael pivoted to doing a MSc in Data and Computer Science. In speeches and his research, he combines this background in both medicine and data to explore the empirical links between wellbeing and health. Away from medicine and software, he is recognisable to younger viewers as the co-host of Operation Ouch!, where he educates the audience on the human body.