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Developing policy in the public interest

The Policy and Public Affairs team is responsible for promoting the reputation of the accountancy profession, developing policies to support ICAEW’s strategic themes and engaging with policymakers across the UK and internationally.

Autumn Budget 2024

On 30 October 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn Budget. Read ICAEW's reaction and analysis.

Our focus and recommendations

We draw on the experience of our members and our technical expertise to develop policy in the public interest, which benefits the economy and protects the integrity of the accountancy profession.

Manifesto 2024: ICAEW's vision for a renewed and resilient UK

ICAEW's vision for a resilient UK

The UK faces major decisions about the shape and direction of its future economy. ICAEW's manifesto draws on the insights and expertise of our members in making a call to action for the government. It sets out our vision for a resilient future UK economy that is: productive, highly skilled, sustainable, innovative, resilient, trustworthy and leading on trade.

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Silhouette of people

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. Read the latest ICAEW representations and view details of open consultations ICAEW will be responding to.

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Houses of Parliament in the UK

Budget reaction

Read ICAEW's analysis of the Chancellor's announcements, as well as ICAEW's pre-budget letters and representations to the government.

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European Parliament building in Strasbourg

European policy priorities

Building on our presence in Brussels for more than 25 years, we engage closely with other European professional institutes, policy makers and stakeholders, ensuring that ICAEW is at the centre of the conversations that matter to the profession globally.

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Meet the team

Get in touch with the team to share your thoughts and feedback on policy and public affairs issues.

John Boulton (speaker at event)
John Boulton Director of Policy

John is Director of Policy at ICAEW and leads ICAEW's policy work internationally. He works with regulators and professional bodies around the world to support corporate transparency and the sustainability transition.

Graham Dale, Head of Public Affairs at ICAEW
Graham Dale Head of Public Affairs

As Head of Public Affairs, Graham manages ICAEW relationships with key stakeholders, including MPs, ministers and government officials.

Joel Spreadborough
Joel Spreadborough Head of Parliamentary and Government Relations

As Head of Parliamentary and Government Relations, Joel oversees the day to day functions of the Public Affairs team, which protects and strengthens ICAEW’s reputation – and that of the wider profession - with political stakeholders.

Amy Whitehead
Amy Whitehead Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Amy's role as Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager is to deliver on ICAEW's policy priorities on regional economic growth, sustainability, trade, public sector and equality, diversity and inclusion

Patrick Tettmar
Patrick Tettmar Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Patrick's role as Policy and Public Affairs Manager is to lead political engagement on ICAEW's priorities for taxation, corporate governance, audit, technology, sustainability, financial services and economic crime.

Tom Leeman
Tom Leeman Senior Policy and Public Affairs Executive

Tom's role as Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive is to support ICAEW's priorities on regional economic growth, sustainability, public sector and international trade.

Laura VillaMil Policy and Public Affairs Executive

As Policy and Public Affairs Executive, Laura monitors parliament and wider developments, and engages with political stakeholders. Her portfolio areas include tax, audit and corporate governance, tech and AI, insolvency and professional standards, financial services, corporate finance and investment, business law and economic crime.

Informing policy positions

Access to finance: supporting small businesses

ICAEW Member Insights

Views, opinions and experiences from our ICAEW members. These insights are used to help shape ICAEW content and inform policy positions and recommendations.

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More ICAEW analysis, insights and initiatives