ICAEW offers a range of practical support to help members return to work after a career break.
With over 3% of our members on a career break at any one time, ICAEW has developed a range of support and resources to help you manage this stage in your career.
Narrowing the gap events
We deliver a range of events via our Narrowing the gap programme to help support our members return to work after a career break.
Event topics include returning to the workplace, setting up your own practice and communication and networking skills
ICAEW careers community
Whether you’re on a career break or looking for a new job, our careers community is packed with advice to help you plan your return to the workplace.
We’ve assembled a collection of experts to blog about issues you’ve highlighted - from assessing your skills and choosing a new career path to writing your CV and finding a new job.
There’s also a forum where you can discuss career related topics with fellow accounting and finance professionals.
Professional support and advice
ICAEW provides expert advice and guidance on all the technical, ethical and practical aspects of your professional life, offering support via helplines and online resources.
Reduced subscriptions
If you’re on a career break, you may be eligible for a reduced subscription.
Returning to work – know your rights
You have employment rights and responsibilities when you return to work after Statutory Maternity Leave. Find out what these are and what to do if you have any problems or you are denied your rights.
The Working Families website is another source of advice for those returning to work after a career break. They also have a free legal helpline giving parents and carers advice about legal and in-work benefits, as well as helping them to negotiate the flexible hours they want.
CPD for members on a career break
If you are on a career break, such as maternity leave, you still need to maintain CPD compliance. If you have not worked in the previous year, you should make a positive declaration. If you are selected to provide evidence of your CPD compliance, you can state that there was no requirement to undertake any CPD activities that year because you were not working.
Online resources from the ICAEW Library
Are you thinking of moving into a new industry sector, or applying for a new job and need some background information?
The ICAEW Library & Information service has a wide range of online resources that you can access from your desktop.
Keeping up to date
Keeping up to date with your skills and current issues in the profession is important when you plan to return to the workplace. Here are four ideas to get you started:
ICAEW technical updates
Updated regularly, the technical area covers key developments in many sectors. It’s a great place to start when reviewing your CPD needs.
Volunteering
Volunteering on a project organised through the ICAEW could be a good way of getting back into the working habit. It’s good for building up confidence and your personal network of contacts and is also great for your CV.
Join one of our specialist networks
Joining a Faculty or Special Interest Group (SIG) is a great way to build personal contacts and expand networks in specific business areas and sectors, as well as to keep up to date with technical knowledge and marketplace developments.
Networking
Building and maintaining a good network of contacts can pay dividends to your career, with online social networking now playing a major role. Follow our simple guide and start building your network.