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Acting in the public interest

ICAEW protects the public interest by making sure its firms, members, students and affiliates maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. We use the experience of our members and our technical expertise to develop policy, benefiting the economy and the integrity of the profession.

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ICAEW as a regulator

We protect the public interest by making sure our firms, members, students and affiliates maintain the highest standards of professional competency and conduct. ICAEW’s regulatory and disciplinary role is independent of membership activities so we can monitor, support or take steps to ensure change if these standards are not met.
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Protecting the public interest

It is part of our role to ensure our members and member firms act with integrity and undertake work correctly and to the highest standards.
The benefits of using a regulated Chartered Accountant
If you are seeking accountancy advice, you want to be reassured your accountant has the appropriate education, experience and qualifications, to provide high quality independent advice and services. This is where ICAEW, ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ICAEW firms can help.
How to make a complaint
We act in the public interest and it is part of our role to ensure our members and member firms act with integrity and undertake work correctly and to the highest standards.
Public hearings
This page gives information about hearings of ICAEW's Disciplinary and Appeal Committees, details of future hearings, reports of the findings and other orders made.

Governance and standards

Governance

Our Council, Board and Committee structure governs us. The Council is ICAEW's supreme governing body, responsible for oversight of its activities. Council agrees ICAEW's strategy and budget, delegating day to day operations to committees and staff.

Our standards and behaviour

Our ethical behaviour is fundamental to maintaining ICAEW’s reputation, promoting trust and inspiring confidence in it and its members. Ethical behaviour is also part of our identity.

Consultations and representations

ICAEW makes representations to policymakers and regulators on behalf of the accountancy profession explaining how changes to policy and legislation will impact day-to-day practice.
2022 representations
Read the latest representations ICAEW has made to governments and other bodies on behalf of our members. Access them here in order of release.
2021 representations
Read the latest representations ICAEW has made to governments and other bodies on behalf of our members. Access them here in order of release.
2020 representations
Read the latest representations ICAEW has made to governments and other bodies on behalf of our members. Access them here in order of release.
Representations and technical guidance in progress
View and contribute to consultations from government bodies, regulators and standards setters to which we are responding.

Policy and public affairs

Drawing on the experience of our members and our technical expertise we aim to develop policy in the public interest, which benefits the economy and protects the integrity of the accountancy profession.
Better Government Series Our policy recommendations to encourage greater transparency and accountability in public sector finance.
Spring Statement 2022 On 23 March 2022, the Chancellor delivered his Spring Statement. Read ICAEW's analysis and reaction.
Economic crime Access guidance, resources and tools relating to the prevention of Economic Crime, including Anti-money laundering, Sanctions, Fraud, Bribery and Corruption.
Autumn Budget 2021 On 27 October 2021, alongside the publication of the government's comprehensive spending review, the Chancellor will announce the details of his second budget of 2021. Read ICAEW's analysis and reaction.
Social mobility and inclusion
As organisations struggle to attract the talent they need, there is a business need to widen the talent pool. At the same time, they recognise the need for diversity of thought in order to survive and thrive.
Brexit – impact on ICAEW members A range of resources on the implications of the UK leaving the EU on 31 December 2020.
Corporate governance and audit reform 2018 and 2019 were landmark years after a series of high-profile corporate failures drew intense public and political scrutiny of the audit sector, with the collapse of Carillion a watershed moment for the profession. Find more information on ICAEW’s contribution to the public debate and engagement with politicians, policymakers and academics on reforming the audit market.
Climate hub
Climate change is a crucial issue for the accounting profession. Time is running out to take action, and ICAEW and its global community of members are driving the change to protect the environment for future generations. Are you professionally ready to mitigate the risk and maximise the opportunity of climate change? Find inspiration, information and practical resources to support the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Public sector finances

Public money for the public good
  • Article
  • 05 Jun 2018
The role of professional accountants is fundamentally about creating trust. Trust that numbers are correctly stated and that a true and fair account has been produced, showing what money has been raised and how that money has been used.
Fiscal Insight: Coronavirus and the public finances
  • Report
  • 28 May 2020
Huge economic shock combined with unprecedented fiscal interventions are driving a global and UK fiscal crisis. ICAEW analyses the effect of coronavirus on public finances around the world and on the UK’s public finances in particular.
Latest public sector articles from Insights Read the latest public sector articles published in ICAEW's Insights hub.

Welcoming inclusion and diversity

Diversity at ICAEW

We are committed to diversity in the Chartered Accountancy profession and at ICAEW. We believe the profession, and our own organisation, does best when it reflects the society we serve.
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Worldwide presence

International capacity building

A strong national accountancy profession can play an important role in a country's economic and business development. ICAEW is actively committed to the sustainable development of robust and independent national professions.
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