CIPFA Student Network President Susanna Farrell outlines her vision for 2025-26.
There is nothing quite like being in a room full of student accountants who have successfully conquered another exam season. The atmosphere was buzzing at this year’s CIPFA Student Network (CSN) Prize Giving, held in June at Public Finance Live 2025 in Birmingham.
As your new CSN President I was incredibly proud to be part of an afternoon that celebrated our hardworking, determined and frankly brilliant student community. The Prize Giving wasn’t only about top marks; it was about recognising resilience, potential and the power of community in what can feel like a lonely qualification journey.
We handed out awards for academic excellence in the past year’s exam sittings. I had the chance to introduce myself as the CSN President, and interact with future accountants who had travelled from far and wide. It was a brilliant reminder that success comes in many forms – and that we are stronger when we support each other.
My vision
I have chosen three key themes to direct the CSN in the coming year: outreach, representation and opportunities. These themes will help us in continuing to build up our network into a true community.
Outreach: While some of us are fortunate to study alongside our colleagues, there are many students who may feel alone in their studies.
Over the coming year, the CSN will be making a concerted effort to reach out to every student – especially those feeling isolated in their studies.
Whether you’re the only trainee in your team, or just feeling unsure of where to turn, the CSN is here to be part of your support system.
We will also be reaching out to universities to show prospective students that public finance is not only worthwhile – it’s exciting and highly rewarding.
Representation: While we have made great progress over the last year there is still more to do. The CSN should represent students from all regions, backgrounds and experiences. This year we will be working to ensure that voices from across the UK are not just heard, but are a central part of our planning, events and decision- making.
Diversity is our strength. We’re going to keep building on the momentum we have gained already, and keep asking the hard questions about who is at the table – and who is missing.
Opportunities: The CSN’s ultimate goal is to improve the student experience – a key part of this is improving opportunities to learn, network and grow professionally. This year we will develop our offer of exam support, mentoring and networking to give all CIPFA students access to real, meaningful opportunities.
We will be offering a range of learning opportunities, from virtual drop-ins to national events, opening more doors for students across the country.
Let’s do this together
There are exciting plans on the horizon: collaborations with CIPFA and ICAEW; CSN social media platforms; and (spoiler alert) some new student-focused initiatives that I can’t wait to share.
If you are interested in helping to make these plans a reality, please get in touch at csn@cipfa.org. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room or a spreadsheet wizard (though we love those too). CSN is what the student community makes it, and everything you contribute helps to achieve our overall goal of improving the student experience.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection and supporting one another. Whether you’re revising late at night, smashing your exams, or just surviving your first budgeting meeting, know that you’ve got a whole network behind you.
- Susanna Farrell is CIPFA Student Network President
