From compliance to value: A CFO's view of Procurement

Simon Lipscomb is joined by Craig Chapman, Chief Financial Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, to explore how a finance perspective can reshape procurement, from strengthening compliance foundations to driving long-term organisational value.

Drawing on his experience across financial services and his first role with operational oversight of procurement, Craig shares candid reflections on stepping into the function from outside the profession. He discusses the realities of public sector governance, the importance of creating the right environment for procurement teams to thrive, and why value is far more complex than simple cost reduction.

This episode covers:

• Why getting compliance right is the essential foundation for delivering sustainable procurement value
• The difference between cost cutting and being “cost optimal” and why the framing matters
• How procurement must be embedded early in decision-making to influence strategy, not just execute purchases
• The concept of “Big P and little p” procurement and why it takes the whole organisation to deliver successful outcomes
• How finance and procurement can work together to balance risk, resilience and performance in the public sector

Listen to the podcast below: