Ahead of 31 October, many ICAEW members will be revisiting their reflective plans for this year’s professional development and identifying whether there are any final gaps to fill in their CPD Record.

Whether you’re looking to catch up on the latest developments in corporate reporting, tax or regulation; for insights into the UK’s economy and business confidence; or tips on how to improve your writing skills, there are ICAEW resources that can help you.

Specialised Learning courses

On 1 October, ICAEW members were given access to some of the Specialised Learning modules that have been created to support the ACA qualification.

While originally designed for students, ICAEW believes that much of the content is relevant to members and has provided free access to 15 e-learning courses ranging in length from an hour to 2.5 hours.

Subjects covered include:

• effective report writing;
• an introduction to AI governance;
• tax considerations for corporate reorganisations;
• tax implications of different business structures; and
• an introduction to forensic accounting.

All of the courses provide verified CPD and evidence is uploaded automatically into your ICAEW digital CPD record.

• See a full list of the available courses.

Modernising corporate reporting

In September, the UK government outlined its plans for the biggest shake up to corporate reporting requirements for a generation.

ICAEW’s Corporate Reporting Faculty has been examining the issues at the heart of the potential changes. You can make sure you’re in the know, by reading its analysis of three key questions:

• What is the purpose of the annual report?
• Does the UK have the right accounting framework?
• What information should different entities report?

You can also hear directly from Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Technology on our latest podcast. Debbie Crawshawe, Head of the Accounting and Audit Centre of Expertise at the department joined ICAEW’s Director of Corporate Reporting and Governance, Sally Baker, to discuss the major changes being proposed and address some of the concerns expressed by preparers.

Meanwhile, those wanting more information on how the proposals could affect auditors can listen to our first Audit Report podcast. Released on 6 October, the episode brings together David Smith, Director of Quality and Professional Standards at Kreston Global; Matt Stroh, Audit Partner, Compliance and Ethics, at Azets; and Katharine Bagshaw, Senior Manager, Audit Standards at ICAEW, to discuss what the government is hoping to achieve and what the implications are for auditors.

Tax support for today and policy for tomorrow

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty keeps members up to date on the latest, need-to-know developments, in tax practice and policy via our tax news.

Whether you’re a tax agent, a business or a taxpayer, you will find practical support and useful insights. For example, popular articles in recent weeks have outlined:

• where HMRC is in its roll-out of multi-factor authentication;
• clarification for unpaid directors on their self-assessment obligations; and
• how to guide on reporting capital gains tax on self-assessment tax returns. 

It has launched a series of articles to help agents and taxpayers to prepare for the 2027/28 tax year, the first of which focuses on the calculation of income tax.

For more practical support, members can access the Tax Track podcast to hear the faculty’s technical experts advice, and read in-depth features on key topics, such as:

• whether the Tour Operators Margin Scheme is fit for purpose;
• how to avoid common errors with tax and cryptoassets; and
• understanding what’s behind the record amount of capital gains tax paid in 2024/25.

At the same time, the Tax Faculty has been exploring how the UK can build a better tax system that is fit for future.

Members can access detailed thought-leadership papers, supported by summary articles and videos exploring the five key areas where change is needed to ensure a proper functioning system. In recent weeks the faculty has published its exploration of the vital role of the tax profession and the judiciary.

Ethics

All ICAEW members, regardless of their role and experience, must complete CPD related to ethics each year. To support members, ICAEW has its freely available e-learning Ethics CPD Course, which is updated annually. In 2026, the new content covers expectations for chartered accountants’ role and mindset, implementation guidance and ongoing support resources.

Outside the CPD course, ICAEW’s ethics team have published guidance on the 2026 update to the Code of Ethics, including tax planning for members in business, and for those in practice, as well as practical support on ensuring an ethics-based approach to AI procurement.

On 23 October, ICAEW is hosting its Global Ethics Day event, which is themed ‘trust in the digital age’. The 4.5 hour event, which is being streamed online, offers the opportunity to hear from the Chair of IESBA, Gabriella Figueirdo Dias, and from panels discussing: the impact of AI on trust, how to promote an ethical culture, and ethics and sustainability. You can register to watch the event online for free.

Top tips on tech

ICAEW Insights regularly publishes articles outlining real-world applications for AI in finance, that can contribute towards a member’s verifiable CPD quota. In September, for example, articles included how EY has embedded AI agents in its audit operations and how to use Microsoft Copilot to streamline client relationship management.

ICAEW members looking for a more comprehensive introduction to generative AI are able to access eight hours of free e-learning through the GenAI Accelerator Programme. The programme offers an overview of the fundamental principles of the technology, a practical walk through five of the most high-profile platforms, and outlines use cases and a framework for implementation.

As well as the opportunities offered by AI, finance teams are increasingly aware of the potential threats posed by the technology. Throughout October – which is Cyber Security Awareness Month – ICAEW has been publishing content to help members stay up to date with potential issues and how to manage them.

Hear about how cyber criminals are using identity theft to target organisations, read tips on spotting vishing attacks and find out how to respond to a ransomware attack.

• See all our support on cyber security awareness

Economic updates and the budget

With the UK budget at the end of the month, ICAEW has been publishing expert insights into the state of the economy and what options the Chancellor options for encouraging growth while balancing spending and calming markets.

The Tax Faculty has been updating its economy explainers ahead of the budget at the end of the month, and will be providing analysis of all of the tax-related announcements.

Bookmark icaew.com/budget to get ICAEW’s expert analysis first.