The ICAEW Library & Information Service holds a collection of articles, books and online publications with guidance and example wording for engagement letters. In this guide we focus on the sources available and how you can identify the material you need.
The importance of engagement letters is explained in the helpsheet Engagement Letters which is published by Advisory Services.
Library & Information Service
The ICAEW Library & Information Service holds a wide range of individual engagement letters and published collections of engagement letters in print and digital formats. In addition to this, the collection includes a number of articles and books with sample clauses for insertion in engagement letters.
Our collection is drawn from engagement letters published in articles, books, helpsheets and through digital sources but also includes publications with guidance on the use and compilation of engagement letters for those occasions when you cannot find an appropriate pro-forma engagement letter. In addition, the collection extends to other letters of use to practices such as:
- client representation letters,
- comfort letters,
- disengagement letters,
- hold harmless letters and
- resignation letters.
You can find details of the engagement letters in our collection by using our search for an engagement letter tool or use our browsable list of engagement letters
ICAEW
Advisory Services
Advisory Services publish the helpsheet Engagement Letters (PAS2/HS13) which provides a series of sample wordings to help members draft engagement letters. It also includes suggested sources for further information and guidance on the drafting of engagement letters.
The helpsheet is available in word and pdf versions:
March 2012
This helpsheet has been updated to meet the requirements of the clarity ISAs effective for accounting period ending on or after 15 December 2010.
Engagement Letters (PAS2/HS13) (pdf version)
Engagement Letters (PAS2/HS13) (word version)
Advisory Services also publish the following helpsheets:
Tax Faculty
The Tax Faculty publishes the tax guide 'Engagement Letters for Tax Practitioners' (Tax Guide 2/09) which is available in the following versions:
Other sources
The ICAEW has published a number of helpsheets, technical releases and other guidance on engagement letters and you can find details of these in our listing of Institute Engagement Letters and related material.
This list includes details of the guidance on engagement letters published by the Institute's Advisory Services, Faculties and Special Interest Groups. However, to browse publications on Engagement Letters from a particular Faculty or ICAEW department, use the Browse a list of engagement letters tool.
CCH
CCH publishes a Engagement Letters Toolkit which includes 90 examples of forms and letters that have been compiled for use by practices. Further details of this product are available from the CCH Information website.
FAQs
How can I see an engagement letter in the collection?
The Library & Information Service operates a book loans service. Members, students, staff and other entitled users should contact the Enquiry Desk by phone on +44 (0)7920 8620; by fax on +44 (0)7920 8621; by email: library@icaew.com or by post. Members, students, staff and other entitled users can also visit the LIS in person. Books are posted to your work or home address free of charge.
Photocopies of letters can be supplied for a charge within copyright law and subject to licences. See our photocopying and fax service for further details.
How can I find out about creating my own engagement letters?
ICAEW's Advisory Services publish the helpsheet 'Engagement Letters' (PAS2/HS13) which provides a series of sample wordings to help members draft engagement letters. The helpsheet also includes suggested sources for further information and guidance on the drafting of engagement letters. The helpsheet also provides a checklist to assist with the preparation of engagement letters.
In addition to ICAEW guidance, the LIS collection includes a number of articles from the wider professional press which provide tips and suggestions of best practice on drafting engagement letters
Further Help and Advice
If you cannot find the engagement letter you need, the LIS enquiry team will be pleased to help search the collection for you. Please call the team on +44 (0)7920 8620 or email us at library@icaew.com.
Members requiring advice on specific aspects of engagement letters should contact the Technical Enquiries Service.