Katya Anthony, Value Implementation Manager at NHS Arden & GEM shares her experience of and the key themes from Anaplan Connect, which took place in London on Tuesday 9 July 2024.
The Anaplan Connect event in London proved to be a profound experience, underscoring the transformative impact of connected planning and the striking similarities in planning needs across various industries. This gathering of thought leaders and industry pioneers highlighted a collective drive towards excellence in integrated planning, featuring valuable insights from major companies like Coca-Cola, Sainsbury’s, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson as well as the NHS.
NHS breakout sessions: Innovation and leadership
The NHS breakout sessions stood out, particularly due to contributions from Edd Berry of Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and Alison Tonge, Director of Strategy, and Innovation at Arden & GEM. Their presentations emphasised the critical need for adaptability and innovation within the public sector.
Edd stressed the importance of engaging all staff levels in the planning process, pointing out that effective communication and training are vital to minimise resistance and facilitate smooth transitions. While Alison highlighted the complex nature of the NHS, stressing the necessity for clear decision-making structures and accountability, alongside robust change management strategies. She noted that for connected planning to be successful, it is crucial that everyone, from frontline workers to executives, understands the benefits and is committed to the new system. Both speakers agreed on the importance of strong governance to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of integrated planning efforts.
The role of change management and governance
Throughout the sessions, the indispensable roles of change management and governance in implementing technology solutions were repeatedly emphasised. Transitioning to or integrating a new system involves more than just technological adaptation; it requires a cultural shift within the organisation. Effective change management ensures that the organisation remains agile and responsive to change, fostering a culture that embraces innovative technologies and methodologies.
Common challenges in integrated planning
A recurring theme among the organisations present was their shared commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced planning and decision-making. Anaplan's platform enables entities to integrate data from various sources, allowing for more informed and agile responses to operational demands. This capability is crucial for NHS organisations and systems facing rapidly changing environments, as it enhances their ability to anticipate and adapt to changes effectively.
Public Sector Roundtable
One of the event's highlights was the ‘Public Sector Roundtable’, which featured representatives from the NHS, local authorities and the Royal Mint, with guest speaker Michael Hayman MBE DL. The discussion focused on the unique challenges faced by public sector organisations and the potential for cross-sector collaboration. Key insights from the roundtable included the identification of collaboration opportunities, allowing public sector entities to learn from each other and from private sector best practices, particularly in data integration and change management.
Michael Hayman emphasised the importance of innovation and adopting new ways of working to drive efficiency and effectiveness in public sector planning. His insights highlighted the potential for public sector organisations to enhance their planning processes by embracing innovative solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
Women in Leadership lunch
The ‘Women in Leadership’ lunch was another standout session, featuring Alison Tonge, Kate Stables (Fever-Tree) and Svilena Tzekova (KPMG). This gathering underscored the critical role of women in driving strategic innovation and leadership. The discussion focused on empowerment and mentorship, with speakers sharing their experiences and emphasising the importance of support networks for women in leadership roles. The session reinforced the value of inclusive leadership, highlighting how diverse leadership teams foster innovation and resilience within organisations.
Anaplan Connect London successfully highlighted the shared challenges and innovative solutions in integrated planning across multiple industries. It underscored the critical importance of stakeholder buy-in, effective change management and strong governance. Additionally, the event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on public sector collaboration and women's leadership, reinforcing the collective commitment to advancing integrated planning practices.
The insights and strategies shared at the event will undoubtedly inspire organisations to leverage connected planning for better decision-making and operational agility. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership reflects a forward-thinking approach that is essential for thriving in today's tumultuous NHS environment.
If you are interested in learning more about how NHS Arden & GEM is supporting NHS organisations and systems to adopt an integrated approach to planning, visit our Connected Resource Planning webpage.
