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Disciplinary Bye-laws

The ICAEW Disciplinary Bye laws set out the core legal and professional rules that govern how ICAEW members, firms and other relevant individuals are held to account when concerns are raised about their conduct, competence or compliance with professional standards. They form the backbone of ICAEW’s disciplinary framework, defining who can be disciplined, for what reasons, and with what consequences, while detailed procedures are dealt with in separate regulations.

Current regulations

The Disciplinary Bye-laws were updated in January 2026 to reflect the following key changes:

  • New Bye-law 5.3A introduces a provision for evidence amounting to conclusive proof of a caution or conviction.
  • New Bye-law 10.1A confirms that the Conduct Committee may adjourn its consideration of allegations to allow for further investigation, monitoring of relevant matters, further particularisation of allegation wording, and/or the provision of further advice.
  • New Bye-law 11A provides that a Case Management Hearing Chair or Tribunal may amend a formal allegation where it is fair and just to do so.

2023 changes to ICAEW’s disciplinary framework

A wide-ranging update to ICAEW’s disciplinary framework took place during 2023. The project, led by the ICAEW Regulatory Board set out to clarify processes and improve overall transparency and accessibility.

Archive and other regulations

Disciplinary Bye-laws definitions