Practice Assurance

Practice Assurance is a scheme of practice review that applies to all members in the UK (including the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man), the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein who hold a practising certificate.

Practice Assurance provides members in practice with a framework of quality assurance principles to help them assess and develop their practices, offering practical support and advice. Outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, review visits may be waived if local monitoring arrangements are in place.

It is designed to demonstrate to the business community and the wider public that we are committed to upholding and developing public standards that command public confidence.

Practice Assurance standards and guidance

There are four principles-based standards

• Laws, regulations and professional standards
• Client acceptance and disengagement
• Competence
• Quality control

that set out the quality assurance principles for firms and reviewers to use to assess and improve practices. Accompanying guidance gives examples of acceptable and best practice.

The Practice Assurance Committee (PAC)

The PAC provides support and guidance to help practices develop and improve; addressing any areas of concern or potential risk - in a way that is appropriate for the size and nature of your firm.

Membership reflects the range of ICAEW member firms and includes sole practitioners, members whose firms do not carry out regulated work and independent lay members.

For information on the committee’s powers, authorities and modus operandi, view its terms of reference.