As a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor over 12,000 ICAEW firms and insolvency practitioners (IPs), holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the high standards of competency and conduct in the profession. Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process from our latest survey.
Monitoring is carried out by the Quality Assurance Department (QAD), which is part of the Professional Standards Department (PSD). PSD is responsible for carrying out ICAEW's regulatory and conduct roles. These roles are separated from ICAEW’s other activities through internal governance so that we can monitor, support or take steps to ensure change if standards are not met.
After each monitoring review, firms and IPs are asked to complete an anonymous survey, providing feedback on the review process, the quality of interaction and the support provided. The infographic illustrates the results of the responses.
These survey responses are collated and analysed by an independent research agency and we receive a quarterly and annual overview report which we use to support the continuous improvement of our monitoring processes and procedures.
Monitoring reviews ensure and reassure firms/IPs they are meeting the expected requirements of the standards, regulations and the ICAEW Code of Ethics. In turn, we take action where the requirements are not met.
Latest Quality Assurance monitoring feedback
Each quarter, we publish updates on latest feedback from our firms that have been through the monitoring process. As with last year, in place of Q4’s report, we are sharing the annual report.
In this year’s report for 2025, it confirms the consistent quarterly feedback we receive on overall satisfaction review ratings.
- 96% were satisfied with the management of the entire visit process.
- 97% were satisfied with the quality of interaction with the whole QAD team.
Such feedback reflects the investment of time and effort by the QAD team over many years and achieving 97% for the quality of interaction is a testament to the diligence of the QAD team when working with firms to keep the process a positive experience, connecting with firms and offering any help, guidance and support.
Some quotes from firms that best sum up our firm feedback are below.
’The reviewer was exceptional. He blended confidence and calmness, while conducting a firm but fair review.
The reviewer quickly understood the nature of my firm and conducted the review accordingly, taking account of what was and was not relevant in my case. This made the review straightforward and painless with some good pointers to best practice.
Monitoring visits are an important part of our commitment to fulfil ICAEW's statutory responsibilities and commitments to oversight regulators. Survey feedback from visits is important to us in our mission to continuously improve our processes and role as an improvement regulator.
Archive
View previous survey results.
