Behind The Button

In this episode, we’re joined by someone who has built an extraordinary career, from starting out as an apprentice with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to becoming President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. We're delighted to have Susan Ball, Chartered Tax Adviser on 'Behind the Button'.Susan reflects on her leadership journey, sharing how she stepped into leadership roles from a young age and learned to lead with honesty and authenticity. She speaks about living with dyslexia, explaining how she became open about it and discussing how sharing vulnerabilities can empower others to feel confident in speaking about their own experiences.Throughout the conversation, Susan discusses the defining moments that have shaped her leadership style, the challenges she's faced along the way and the importance of trusting and leaning on the expertise of the people around her. She also shares valuable insights into building supportive teams, navigating difficult periods in life and work and creating environments where people feel understood and valued. Released during the month in which Mental Health Awareness Week falls, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading a team or looking to better understand neurodivergence in the workplace and beyond.LinksFollow Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ball-ciot/Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT): https://www.tax.org.uk/British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

In this special episode, we turn the tables on the traditional 'Behind the Button' format. Instead of leading the conversation, the hosts step into the spotlight as the guests.Join Lora Murphy and Adrian Goddard for a personal and wide-ranging conversation as they step away from their usual roles and share their own stories. Lora and Adrian talk about what they genuinely enjoy most about working at the CIPP, and the moments and motivations that have shaped their careers.Along the way, they talk about why they feel so privileged to work alongside so many incredible individuals across the profession, while reflecting on the shifts they’ve seen across the industry, exploring how it continues to evolve and what that means for the professionals working within it.This very special episode also sets the stage for Adrian’s debut as podcast co-host, launching Monday 11 May.GlossaryDWP = the Department for Work and Pensions, GDPR = General Data Protection Regulation, RTI = real time informationLinksFollow Adrian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-goddard/Follow Lora on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-murphy-mcippdip/

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with the fabulous Emily Trant as we explore the fascinating psychology behind pay. In this episode, we dive into how individuals perceive money differently, and how those perceptions are shaped by personal experiences, societal influences and access to financial opportunities.Emily joins us fresh from recording her own widely acclaimed podcast, The Invisible Worker, where she shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked workers in society. Bringing that same insight and passion to this discussion, Emily challenges us to rethink how financial systems are designed, and who they’re really designed for.A key theme in this episode is inclusivity in financial products. We examine the gap between the people creating these systems and the diverse populations they’re meant to serve, raising important questions about representation, accessibility and fairness.This is an episode which will leave you reflecting on your own perceptions of money and how we can build a more inclusive financial future.GlossaryOECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, SMEs = small and medium-sized enterprisesLinksFollow Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-trant/Invisible Worker podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLESOtaKdqCttJkiqJTiAAAaSX8YKmsAZcStream: https://stream.co/enThe State of Financial Wellbeing Report 2025: https://stream.co/en/reports/the-state-of-financial-wellbeing-2025

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment and People Solutions at JMW Solicitors, to break down what the Employment Rights Act means for pay professionals and payroll teams.Paul walks us through the key milestone dates payroll and human resources (HR) professionals need to have on their radar, along with the major legislative changes that will affect how organisations manage pay, employment rights and compliance. With the Employment Rights Act representing one of the most significant shifts in worker protections in decades, this episode provides practical insights to help professionals prepare for what’s ahead.Alongside the legal updates, Paul also shares more about his career journey into employment law, his interests outside of the legal world and some of the most surprising and memorable stories he’s encountered during his time as an employment lawyer.Whether you're working in payroll, HR or employment compliance, this episode offers valuable context and real-world perspective on a rapidly evolving area of workplace law.DISCLAIMER: Please note that changes to 'fire and rehire' will now take place from January 2027, and not October 2026, as mentioned in the episode.LINKS:Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamberlainpaul/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BusdilH4aTe%2Bona7OjyQLDQ%3D%3DReach out to Paul via email, at paul.chamberlain@jmw.co.ukJMW People Solutions webpage: https://www.jmw.co.uk/services-for-business/employment/recruitment-supportEmployment Rights Act timeline: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-the-plan-to-make-work-pay-and-employment-rights-act/plan-to-make-work-pay-and-employment-rights-act-timeline-updatePolicy papers and consultation page on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and-consultationshttps://www.cipp.org.uk

In this episode of 'Behind the Button', we are joined by Steve Elcock for an in-depth discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and its evolving role within payroll.The conversation explores how AI is currently being used across payroll departments to support accuracy, efficiency and compliance, as well as the opportunities emerging as technology continues to advance. Steve shares practical examples of where AI can add real value today, alongside thoughtful insight into how payroll teams can prepare for greater AI integration in the future.A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of maintaining a human-first approach to payroll. While AI can streamline processes, enhance data analysis and reduce manual workloads, Steve explains why it will never replace the people at the heart of the pay profession. Payroll remains a people-centric function, built on trust, judgment and accountability. Qualities that technology can support, but not replicate.Listeners will also gain practical guidance on how to responsibly and effectively leverage AI within their own payroll environments. Steve offers valuable hints and tips to help pay professionals understand where to start, what to consider when adopting AI-driven tools and how to balance innovation with governance and control.LinksMIT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtBw6njQRU-rwp5__7C0oIVt26ZgjG9NIStanford: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoROMvodv4rNiJRchCzutFw5ItR_Z27CMAI with Humanity: The market leading AI assistant for HR, WFM & Payroll - ZellisFollow Zellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zellisukltd/https://www.cipp.org.uk

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Maria Mason, the trailblazer who became the UK’s first-ever Payroll Partner.Maria shares her career journey and offers practical advice on how to get your voice heard at C-suite level. She also opens up about a pivotal moment in her career – being told initially she couldn’t become a Partner because she wasn’t an Accountant – and how she challenged expectations to redefine what leadership in payroll can look like.Beyond her professional achievements, this episode reveals a more personal side to Maria. She reflects on the values instilled by her parents, how her ambition has influenced her daughter and the emotional experience of watching a team member win an award after navigating an incredibly difficult period in their life.Honest, empowering and deeply human, this conversation peels back the curtain on Maria’s story and proves that it is possible to be a mum, study while working and thrive in the world of work.Links Follow Maria on LinkedIn: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/reBxCoYqjHyNKWT1f5HpvmFW?domain=linkedin.comBDO website: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/9WlBCpg0kCRrx6UDhjHGHkMA?domain=bdo.co.ukhttps://www.cipp.org.ukDisclaimer: "The contents of this podcast episode are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of listening or viewing. They do not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific professional advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this podcast episode. BDO LLP shall not be liable for any reliance placed on the contents of this podcast."

We kick off ‘Behind the Button’ with a must-see/listen episode featuring JP Marks, First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).JP joins us to share his vision for HMRC’s ambitious Transformation Roadmap, offering insight into how the organisation is evolving to build a more modern, transparent and trusted tax system. He also reflects on his own experiences of payroll, discusses the importance of co-design and explains why collaboration with the pay profession is essential to getting change right.In a heartfelt moment, JP thanks pay professionals across the UK for the vital work they do every day, in ensuring people are paid accurately and on time, allowing them to manage their day-to-day lives.Whether you work in payroll, tax or public service leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives on transformation, leadership styles and the future of HMRC.GlossaryDWP = Department for Work and PensionsNHS = National Health ServiceOBR = Office for Budget ResponsibilityERP = Enterprise resource planningRTI = real time informationMVP = minimum viable productAI = artificial intelligenceR&D = research and developmentPPS = Principal Private SecretaryLinksHMRC's Transformation Roadmap - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-transformation-roadmap/hmrcs-transformation-roadmapHMRC app - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-hmrc-appPolicy Paper, 'Tax Making Principles' - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-policy-making-principleshttps://www.cipp.org.uk