The GenAI Accelerator Programme by ICAEW is designed to educate professionals on generative AI in finance and accounting. This disclaimer outlines the programme’s scope, limitations, and responsibilities, emphasising that all content is for educational purposes only. Participants are advised to exercise independent judgement and follow relevant legal, ethical, and data protection standards when applying any concepts or tools discussed.
Programme Title: GenAI Accelerator Programme
Date of Reference: March 31, 2025
1. Purpose and Scope
The “GenAI Accelerator Programme” (“the Programme”) is an educational initiative provided by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (“ICAEW”) aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications in finance and accounting. The Programme is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, legal, or technical advice. The ICAEW expressly disclaims any representation or warranty that the content is exhaustive, accurate, or appropriate for specific professional use. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult independent professional advisors before acting on any information provided in the Programme.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
We want everyone to know the Programme is purely educational and not tailored to specific professional advice. It clarifies our limited scope, reminds you to double-check facts with experts, and ensures you understand we aren’t guaranteeing any outcomes.
2. Content Limitations
All materials, methodologies, and examples included in the Programme are based on information available as of March 31, 2025, and may become outdated due to advancements in GenAI technology, changes in regulatory frameworks, or shifts in industry practices. The ICAEW does not guarantee the continued relevance, completeness, or accuracy of the content beyond this date and reserves the right to update or modify it without notice. ICAEW and its affiliates, agents, contractors, or representatives shall not be liable for any reliance placed on the Programme’s content, including errors, omissions, or outdated information.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
This part clarifies that information about GenAI can change quickly, so the Programme might not always reflect the most current updates. It’s our way of telling you that we’re doing our best to keep content relevant, but we can’t promise absolute up-to-the-minute accuracy.
3. Third-Party Tools and Resources
The Programme references various GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, Grok, Perplexity GenAI, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, strictly for educational illustration. These references do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership with the ICAEW. The ICAEW disclaims all responsibility for the performance, accuracy, security, or legal compliance of these tools. Participants are solely responsible for assessing the suitability of these third-party platforms for their own purposes, including adherence to data protection laws, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
We point to popular GenAI tools just to show what’s out there. We aren’t “partnered” with them or guaranteeing their quality, so please do your own homework and due diligence before deciding to use them in professional settings.
3.1 Participants acknowledge that any sign-up for or interaction with these GenAI tools is at their own risk. ICAEW is separate and independent from these GenAI providers and does not process or control any data participants submit to them. Participants must ensure compliance with relevant local jurisdictional laws, internal IT policies, and legal/business requirements, especially when handling any sensitive or confidential data via such tools. The ICAEW shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use, misuse, or reliance on these tools, including data breaches, inaccurate outputs, or operational failures. Participants are urged to exercise due diligence and professional judgment when employing these tools in any context, especially in professional settings.
Why we have this sub-section (in plain English):
We can’t vouch for how these tools handle your data—especially since laws differ worldwide and every organization has unique IT/security standards. This disclaimer says: you’re in charge of assessing and managing your own risks.
4. Practical Exercises
The Programme includes practical exercises, such as “Watch and Learn” or “Try It Out” activities, intended to illustrate potential GenAI applications in finance and accounting. These exercises are hypothetical and simplified for educational purposes only. The ICAEW does not guarantee their real-world applicability, effectiveness, or accuracy. Participants must not rely on these exercises as definitive guidance for professional decisions, and any application of these concepts to real-world scenarios is at their own risk. The ICAEW shall not be liable for any outcomes resulting from the misapplication or misinterpretation of these exercises.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
The hands-on sections are for teaching you how certain GenAI tasks might work in scenarios. We’re not saying this is the only or best way to do it in real life, so please adapt carefully.
5. Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
The Programme covers ethical principles and regulatory considerations related to GenAI use in finance and accounting, referencing frameworks such as the ICAEW Code of Ethics. This content is provided for educational discussion only and does not serve as authoritative guidance or guarantee compliance with applicable ethical codes, laws, or regulations. Participants are fully responsible for ensuring adherence to all relevant professional and legal standards. The ICAEW disclaims liability for any ethical or regulatory violations arising from reliance on the Programme’s content.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
Ethics are at the heart of ICAEW’s values. We talk about ethical do’s and don’ts of GenAI, but it’s up to you to ensure compliance with actual laws and regulations. Think of this as a conversation starter, not a final rulebook.
6. Data and Privacy Risks
6.1 Learner Data Risks
Participation in the Programme may require participants to submit personal data (e.g., contact details, professional qualifications, learning progress). The ICAEW will take reasonable steps to safeguard this data in compliance with applicable data protection laws. However, participants acknowledge no data transmission or storage system is absolutely secure, and the ICAEW does not guarantee the absolute security of learner data. By participating, participants consent to the collection, processing, and storage of their data as required for Programme administration and accept the risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, or data loss.
Why we have this sub-section (in plain English):
We do our best to protect any data you share with us, but no system is 100% hack-proof. We want to be transparent so that you know there’s some inherent risk anytime you share data online.
6.2 Privacy Risks in Using Third-Party GenAI Tools
The Programme may involve using (or referencing) GenAI tools that process user inputs—potentially including sensitive or confidential information. Participants must ensure compliance with local laws in their jurisdiction, as well as their own organizational IT and business policies regarding data sharing and confidentiality. The ICAEW cannot oversee these external tools and therefore disclaims all liability for privacy breaches, data leaks, or misuse of information resulting from a participant’s use of GenAI tools or other third-party resources referenced in the Programme. Participants are advised to anonymize or redact sensitive information prior to entering data into these tools.
Why we have this sub-section (in plain English):
If you use external GenAI platforms, that’s between you and the provider. Laws differ depending on where you live, so you need to be extra cautious to follow local rules, plus your employer’s data policies, so you don’t inadvertently leak important stuff.
6.3 Uploading Learner Data to Third-Party Tools
Any data, including personal or confidential business information, that learners choose to upload or otherwise submit to third-party GenAI tools is at their sole discretion and risk. The ICAEW strongly advises:
- Complying with local data protection regulations applicable in your jurisdiction.
- Following your organization’s internal IT policies and data-handling procedures.
- Reviewing each tool’s privacy policy to understand data usage, retention, and security practices.
- Anonymizing or redacting any sensitive or confidential elements before uploading.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
Even though we use fictitious data in teaching, you may choose to test these tools with your own information. It is the learner’s responsibility to safeguard that data and comply with all rules and best practices.
7. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, ICAEW, its affiliates, officers, agents, and representatives shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from or related to participation in the Programme. This includes (but is not limited to) losses stemming from reliance on Programme content, the use of third-party tools, data breaches, privacy violations, or the application of concepts in professional practice. Participation in the Programme is entirely at the participant’s own discretion and risk.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
In essence, this states that the ICAEW is not liable if something goes wrong or if you experience losses by using or misusing the information or tools provided. We’re here to educate, not to assume responsibility for every scenario that might come up.
8. Amendments and Governing Law
The ICAEW reserves the right to modify this disclaimer at any time without prior notice, with amendments taking effect upon publication. This disclaimer is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, United Kingdom, and any disputes arising under it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, United Kingdom.
Why we have this section (in plain English):
We might need to update these terms if new issues or legal changes arise. If any disputes arise, the matters shall be handled under the jurisdiction of England and Wales.
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