Behind The Button

This episode of 'Behind the Button' welcomes Sam Johnson, Payroll Partner at Dains, for a conversation about what it really takes to deliver great payroll for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sam shares her unconventional journey from studying law to building a career in payroll and human resources. She discusses the nuances of supporting owner-managed businesses, why pay professionals m...

In this episode of ‘Behind the Button’, we’re honoured to welcome Jackson Parsons, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Duvet Flip to the show. He shares the inspiring story behind ‘Duvet Flip’, a movement built on the belief that life's challenges can become opportunities for growth and positive change. Following a life-changing health diagnosis during the pandemic, Jackson was prompted to re-e...

In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Duane Jackson, whose story proves that it’s never too late to completely change the direction of your life. After serving time in prison for drug smuggling, he made a conscious decision to rebuild from the ground up. What followed was an extraordinary transformation: from a difficult and troubled past to becoming a successful software entrepreneur....

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 a...

Emma Greenfield, Head of Payroll Services at Specsavers, is a dedicated pay professional with a career in the industry that began in her teenage years. Since then, she's built extensive experience processing payroll across a wide variety of sectors, working in both in-house teams and outsourced payroll environments. Her journey through the profession has given her a unique perspective on the chall...

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...

Richard Smith joins us on ‘Behind the Button’ to share a story that’s both personal and highly relevant. After losing his wife to cancer, Richard found himself accessing a pension much earlier than expected. It’s an experience that brought home just how important it is to understand what you have in place financially, especially when life takes an unexpected turn. We focus on Richard’s work on the...

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 Inv...

In this special episode of 'Behind the Button', we turn the spotlight onto leadership as we sit down with our very own Jason Davenport, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CIPP. Join us for an insightful conversation exploring the Institute’s refreshed strategic direction, including the four key pillars shaping its future and guiding its work across the pay professions. But it’s not all strategy,...

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...

In this episode, Andy Nicholls explores the key pension responsibilities impacting pay professionals and what organisations must do to remain compliant. The conversation includes a practical walkthrough of automatic enrolment requirements, highlighting common error areas and how to avoid mistakes while meeting the expectations of The Pensions Regulator (TPR). There's also discussion on managing re...

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 exam...

In this episode, we’re joined by Joss Tasker, CEO and Founder of Sync Savings, to unpack the power of payroll savings and its role in improving financial wellbeing. If you’ve ever felt like saving just isn’t possible, this is a must-listen. Joss shares practical, realistic tips for getting started, no matter your income, and reveals some eye-opening facts and figures on financial vulnerability in...

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 expecta...

Join us for a fun, insightful conversation with Max van-der Klis Busink, global payroll expert and author of The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook, as he shares his true Passion for Payroll. Max takes us inside the complex world of global payroll, breaking it down in a way that’s refreshingly relatable, comparing payroll to building Lego and even the London Underground. Along the way, he reminds u...

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 pa...

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...