Behind The Button – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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. And 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 happen behind the button.

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.com

BDO website: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/9WlBCpg0kCRrx6UDhjHGHkMA?domain=bdo.co.uk

https://www.cipp.org.uk

Disclaimer: "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."

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 us that while payroll can be demanding and complicated, it can also be creative, rewarding and fun.

Known for bringing humour and light relief to the profession, Max shares laughs, cracks a few jokes and shows the human side of payroll that often goes unseen. He also reveals what career path he might have taken if payroll hadn’t won his heart.

Whether you’re deep in global payroll or just love hearing from people who genuinely care about the profession, this episode is informative, uplifting and not to be missed.

Links

Passion For Payroll website: https://passionforpayroll.com/

The Global Payroll Manager's Playbook': https://www.amazon.com/Global-Payroll-Managers-Playbook-Definitive/dp/B0F2S9D42B

https://www.cipp.org.uk

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.

Glossary

DWP = Department for Work and Pensions

NHS = National Health Service

OBR = Office for Budget Responsibility

ERP = Enterprise resource planning

RTI = real time information

MVP = minimum viable product

AI = artificial intelligence

R&D = research and development

PPS = Principal Private Secretary

Links

HMRC's Transformation Roadmap - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-transformation-roadmap/hmrcs-transformation-roadmap

HMRC app - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/download-the-hmrc-app

Policy Paper, 'Tax Making Principles' - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-policy-making-principles

https://www.cipp.org.uk

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 the UK.

We also explore how payroll savings work in practice and why they’re such a powerful (and often underused) tool. For pay and reward professionals, Joss explains how offering savings vehicles through payroll can drive real employee impact while demonstrating the strategic value of payroll within an organisation.

Whether you’re looking to improve your own financial resilience or strengthen your organisation’s wellbeing offering, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Glossary

FSCS = Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Links

Sync-Savings website: https://www.sync-savings.com/

Sync-Savings 2026 financial wellness planner: https://www.sync-savings.com/sync-financial-wellness-planner-2026

Read Joss' article on opening up the conversation regarding financial vulnerability in the CIPP's Professional magazine: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/678606695/36/

Step Change: https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice.aspx

UK Government free debt advice links: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

https://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.

Links

MIT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtBw6njQRU-rwp5__7C0oIVt26ZgjG9NI

Stanford: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoROMvodv4rNiJRchCzutFw5ItR_Z27CM

AI with Humanity: The market leading AI assistant for HR, WFM & Payroll - Zellis

Follow Zellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zellisukltd/

https://www.cipp.org.uk

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-enrolment effectively.

Andy outlines what payroll teams should have in place to demonstrate compliance, the documentation that must be retained and the steps that can be taken to reduce risk ahead of any audit conducted by TPR.

The episode also focuses on the importance of maintaining open communication and strong working relationships with pension scheme providers to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and ongoing compliance.

Tune into hear practical insights to help payroll professionals strengthen processes, maintain compliance and prepare for future developments in pensions.

Glossary

ACE = the CIPP's Annual Conference and Exhibition

AI = artificial intelligence

DWP = the Department for Work and Pensions

'EE and ER' = employee and employer

FCA = Financial Conduct Authority

GDPR = General Data Protection Regulation

HMRC = HM Revenue and Customs.

PLSA = the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association,

RTI = real time information,

SSP = statutory sick pay.

Links

The CIPP's Annual Conference and Exhibition: https://www.cipp.org.uk/events/annual-conference-and-exhibition.html

The PSLA: https://www.pensionsuk.org.uk/

Pot follows person' information: https://www.pensionspolicyinstitute.org.uk/media/jkllh5ah/20200922-small-pots-working-group-guide-to-booklet-final.pdf

https://www.cipp.org.uk

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%3D

Reach out to Paul via email, at paul.chamberlain@jmw.co.uk

JMW People Solutions webpage: https://www.jmw.co.uk/services-for-business/employment/recruitment-support

Employment 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-update

Policy papers and consultation page on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and-consultations

https://www.cipp.org.uk

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 Government’s new pensions dashboards, as he’s been closely involved in both the design and testing of this exciting initiative. They’re set to make a real difference, bringing all of an individual’s pensions together in one place, including those that may have been lost or forgotten over time. With state pension figures included too, the aim is to give a much clearer picture of what you might have to live on in retirement, helping people plan with more confidence. Richard’s passion really comes through in this episode, bringing to life not just how the dashboards work, but why they matter.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about real-life experience and a practical step forward in how we all approach retirement planning.

Links

Follow Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-smith-b15935/

Richard's blog, 'Dashboard ideas': https://www.dashboardideas.co.uk/about/

MoneyHelper website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Pensions Dashboards Programme website: https://www.pensionsdashboardsprogramme.org.uk/

Retirement living standards website : https://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/

Financial Times 2014 article, 'Retiement Saver Service': https://www.ft.com/content/74bdbe44-0da0-11e4-815f-00144feabdc0

SEI research, 'Creating an ownership mindset': https://www.seic.com/sites/default/files/2022-12/Creating%20an%20ownership%20mindset%20with%20DC%20members_SEI_December%202022.pdf

2026 Standard Life centre for the future of retirement: https://www.standardlife.co.uk/centre-for-the-future-of-retirement/research-reports

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.

Glossary

OECD = Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, SMEs = small and medium-sized enterprises

Links

Follow Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-trant/

Invisible Worker podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLESOtaKdqCttJkiqJTiAAAaSX8YKmsAZc

Stream: https://stream.co/en

The State of Financial Wellbeing Report 2025: https://stream.co/en/reports/the-state-of-financial-wellbeing-2025