Sanctions guidance and the fixed penalty process

Guidance for ICAEW’s disciplinary committees

Matters considered on or after 1 January 2026

Following a consultation process, new Disciplinary Sanctions Guidance (DSG) is in effect from 1 January 2026. The DSG applies to all disciplinary matters considered by the Conduct Committee for the first time on or after 1 January 2026.

• Access the Disciplinary Sanctions Guidance – effective 1 January 2026

Matters considered before 1 January 2026

ICAEW’s disciplinary committees will continue to refer to the Guidance on Sanctions for matters considered by the Conduct Committee before 1 January 2026.

• Access the ICAEW Guidance on Sanctions
• Find out more about ICAEW’s disciplinary committees

Guidance for ICAEW’s regulatory committees

ICAEW’s regulatory committees will also continue to refer to the Guidance on Sanctions until a review of regulatory sanctions has been completed. The review will take place during 2026.

• Access the ICAEW Guidance on Sanctions
• Find out more about ICAEW’s regulatory committees

Fixed penalty process for minor complaints

The fixed penalty process enables certain types of lower level, compliance-type complaints to be dealt with by way of fixed penalty. The process only applies to allegations which the ICAEW Regulation & Conduct Board (IRCB) determines suitable for the process and where the allegation(s) and proposed penalty are agreed by respondents/respondent firms. The process avoids the need for less serious complaints to be considered by the Conduct Committee and therefore matters are dealt with more efficiently.

• View the fixed penalty process – effective 1 January 2026
• View the fixed penalty process – effective 1 April 2019 – 31 December 2025

Archive

• View previous versions of the Guidance on Sanctions
• Fixed penalty process archive

Further information

• Disciplinary Sanctions Guidance consultation results
• About ICAEW’s regulatory and disciplinary committees
• ICAEW publication of decisions policy