Behind The Button

Behind the Button is your all-access guide to the intricate, fast-moving world of pay. From 2026, every fortnight we sit down with experts from across the pay professions to uncover the stories, challenges and innovations shaping this essential industry. From legislative updates and technological change to the evolving roles found within pay teams, we explore the forces that keep pay professionals sharp, busy and always adapting. Because in payroll, nothing ever stands still. It’s never, ever boring. And there’s certainly more to it than pushing that elusive button to get people paid. But beyond the systems and processes, this is a podcast about people. We get to know the individuals behind the payslips, diving into their motivations, career journeys and the passions that drive them. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the world of pay, and discover what really happens behind the button. https://www.cipp.org.uk

Behind The Button is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Behind The Button, a business show with 22 episodes published.

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  Episode #22

  S1 E22: From Westminster to the payslip: making work pay

  Sep 28, 202622 minS1

  What does the Employment Rights Act mean for pay professionals and the people they pay? In this very special episode of 'Behind the Button', we’re joined by the Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden MP, to talk about the changes coming to employment rights across the UK. Kate talks about what first drew her into politics and her family’s trade union background. She also explains why she believes the Employment Rights Act is such an important step forward for workers. We look at some of the key changes, including statutory sick pay, day-one paternity leave, zero-hours contracts and unfair dismissal protection. Kate also explains why the changes need to be introduced carefully, giving businesses time to prepare. There’s a particular focus on payroll. As Kate points out, pay teams are often closest to how changes like these work in practice. And their feedback matters massively to Government. We also look at what the UK can learn from other countries and what Kate hopes will have changed for workers a year from now. Glossary OECD = Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Links Employment Rights Act 2025 changes guidance: https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/employment-changes/ Revised Tipping Code of Practice - Make Work Pay: revised tipping code of practice - GOV.UK Equal Pay and Pay Discrimination - Equal pay and pay discrimination - GOV.UK Workplace Monitoring Technologies - Make Work Pay: workplace monitoring technologies - GOV.UK Timelines - Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update - GOV.UK

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  Episode #20

  S1 E20: The future and potential of payroll: National Payroll Week special

  Aug 31, 202636 minS1

  Anthony Macey, Chief Operating Officer of CIPP's Corporate Partner, Portfolio Payroll, talks about the growing opportunities within the pay professions and why payroll has become such a rewarding and varied career, using his experience of working in payroll recruitment for the last 22 years . Payroll is becoming more complex, with professionals needing to understand data, analytics and the wider needs of the business. Anthony discusses how the role is developing, the skills needed to succeed and why there are more opportunities for progression than ever. He also reflects on National Payroll Week and Portfolio Payroll’s long-standing relationship with the CIPP, which has seen us work together on this hugely important event in the payroll calendar for more than two decades. Anthony shares Portfolio Payroll’s approach to adding value beyond recruitment, including its support for initiatives such as the CIPP's Payroll Quick Learn training, as well as his own, personal journey of hard work and a relentless drive for excellence. Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, RTI = real time information, SMEs = small and medium-sized enterprises, SMP = statutory maternity pay, SSP = statutory sick pay Links Follow Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coorecruitment/ Portfolio Payroll website: https://www.theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ National Payroll Week: https://www.cipp.org.uk/events/npw-landing.html Payroll Quick Learn: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-landing/payroll-quicklearn.html

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  Episode #19

  S1 E19: A career in pay: four decades of change

  Aug 17, 202649 minS1

  In this episode, payroll expert Clare Warrington shares insights from a career spanning nearly 40 years across retail, healthcare and logistics. Clare discusses the realities of payroll as a high-pressure profession where accuracy, compliance and customer service are essential, while highlighting the importance of maintaining work-life balance and protecting mental wellbeing. From starting as a teenage wages clerk in the pre-digital era to leading payroll operations for thousands of employees, Clare reflects on the value of continuous learning, adaptability and strong people skills. She explains how pay professionals play a vital role in supporting employees’ financial wellbeing and resolving issues with empathy and care. The conversation also explores the future of payroll, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation. Clare believes technology can reduce repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, allowing pay teams to focus on analysis, compliance and employee support. She also shares her passion for mentoring, developing new talent and ensuring the next generation sees payroll as a rewarding and meaningful career. Tune in to hear from someone who truly loves payroll and has built their entire career in the industry. Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, NI = National Insurance, SSP = statutory sick pay Links Follow Clare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-warrington-msc-fcippdip-68067948/ Culina: https://www.culina.co.uk/ The MSc in Strategic Leadership: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-and-education/study/msc.html CIPP-approved qualifications: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-and-education/study.html

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  Episode #18

  S1 E18: Beyond the payslip: supporting mental wellbeing in payroll

  Aug 3, 202647 minS1

  In this episode of ‘Behind the Button’, Sarah MacIntosh, Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health First Aid MHFA England, shares how her personal experiences and career journey have shaped her passion for improving workplace mental health. From financial services to leading a national organisation, Sarah explains why psychological safety is essential for both employee wellbeing and organisational success. The conversation explores why mental health is everyone's responsibility and how leaders and managers can reduce stigma by encouraging open, honest conversations. Sarah discusses the importance of listening with empathy, recognising the early signs of stress and burnout, and creating cultures where employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. We also examine the unique pressures faced by pay professionals, where demanding deadlines and high levels of responsibility can impact mental wellbeing. Sarah highlights how Mental Health First Aid training equips people with the confidence to spot the signs of mental ill health, start supportive conversations and guide colleagues towards appropriate help. This fantastic episode offers practical insights into building psychologically safe workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best. Creating healthier workplaces starts with more than wellbeing initiatives. It begins with making people feel safe, seen and supported. Links MHFA England website: https://mhfaengland.org/ MHFA England 'My Whole Self' webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=FQKG3exUCpo&time_continue=11&source_ve_path=MjE0Mjgz&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com CIPP and MHFA England joint article in Professional magazine: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/42025276/50/ CIPP and MHFA England joint blog on 'My Whole Self': https://www.aomhfa.org/your-stories/building-leadership-around-difference-adrian-s-my-whole-self-story/ CIPP and MHFA England joint blog on 'Experiences of ADHD in the pay industries': https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/fast-systems-faster-minds-experiences-of-ADHD-in-the-pay-industries/

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  Episode #17

  S1 E17: Payroll pathways: opportunities, skills and success

  Jul 20, 20261h 3mS1

  What does the payroll job market look like right now? In this episode of ‘Behind the Button’, Director at Portfolio Payroll (our Corporate Partners), Gillian Owen joins us to share her insights into the changing world of careers in pay, and what employers are really looking for. Gill explains how payroll has evolved beyond processing payslips, with many roles now offering greater influence across technology, projects and the wider business. She discusses the skills which help candidates stand out, why attitude often matters just as much as experience and how professionals can continue developing throughout their careers. We also talk about what candidates want from employers today, from flexible working and meaningful benefits to clear opportunities for progression. Along the way, we learn more about Gill herself, including her love of creating elaborate fancy dress costumes and why her daughter's enthusiasm for work gives her so much pride. The conversation also explores the differences between the UK and Canadian payroll markets and why the future of payroll has never looked brighter. If you're building a career in payroll, recruiting new talent or simply interested in where the profession is heading, this episode is full of useful information and plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, NPI = National Payroll Institute Links Follow Gill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-o-bab0726b/ Follow Portfolio Payroll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portfolio-payroll-limited/ Portfolio Payroll: https://www.theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=CIPP_Gill_PodcastJuly2026 Gemma Creamer's article for Professional magazine: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/227085278/69/

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