The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), which has its headquarters in Solihull, has launched a national forum designed to support and connect payroll professionals working in the public sector. More than 150 delegates from across the country attended the inaugural Public Sector Pay Forum, held this month.
Context of strained public finances
The launch comes at a time when public finances remain under pressure. Office for National Statistics figures cited at the event show UK public sector borrowing reached £23.3 billion in May 2026, the second-highest May borrowing on record, while public sector net debt was reported at 95.1% of GDP. Those macroeconomic realities were presented as part of the backdrop for discussions about the operational and compliance challenges facing payroll teams.
Practical focus for payroll teams
Organisers emphasised that payroll professionals are being asked to maintain accuracy and compliance while dealing with evolving legislation and stretched resources. The forum combined presentations with interactive roundtables to promote peer learning and practical problem-solving.
"Public sector payroll professionals play a vital role in ensuring millions of employees are paid accurately and on time,"
The institute’s chief executive, Jason Davenport, said the forum was intended to provide support, practical insight and a professional network to help staff manage those competing demands. Delegates discussed a range of technical and managerial issues during sessions.
- National Minimum Wage compliance
- Public sector pensions and holiday pay
- Payroll systems, termination payments and back pay
- Reward strategies and risk management
- Securing senior leadership buy-in for payroll priorities
What the CIPP says it will do next
Following the successful launch, the CIPP indicated it will continue to offer education, professional development and industry engagement aimed at helping payroll teams navigate change. That commitment is pitched at a time when many organisations are seeking efficiencies while remaining legally compliant.
| Item | Figure / Detail |
|---|---|
| Delegates at inaugural forum | 150+ |
| May 2026 public sector borrowing (ONS) | £23.3 billion |
| Public sector net debt | 95.1% of GDP |
For local authorities, NHS payroll teams and other public employers in and around Solihull, the forum represents an opportunity to access up-to-date guidance and to share practical solutions with peers. The CIPP said interactive roundtables at the launch allowed attendees to exchange approaches to common problems, from system implementations to negotiating for resources within their organisations.
The institute’s initiative will be of particular interest to payroll managers and HR leads who must continue to deliver pay on time and in compliance with an expanding and changing regulatory framework. The CIPP’s Solihull base underscores the town’s role as a national hub for payroll professional development and industry engagement.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor local attendance at future forum events and any outcomes that influence payroll practice across Solihull’s public sector employers.
