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.
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.
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.
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 Regulatory Board 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.
Quick links
Access the relevant guidance.
Disciplinary Sanctions Guidance (new disciplinary cases)Guidance on Sanctions (existing cases and regulatory penalties)