Do you sometimes wonder about the future of the profession of which you are member? Becoming a member of Council, ICAEW’s governing body, could be your opportunity to influence the way the profession goes forward and to make your mark on it.
The Council, composed of around 90 members, meets approximately 4 times a year to guide the ICAEW’s strategic direction, to oversee the management Board and its committees and to debate and discuss important issues affecting the profession. Issues like the effect of AI on firms and businesses, how we facilitate the move to a more sustainable economy, and how we can influence the regulatory environment both nationally and globally. Issues like the changes we need to make to CPD and our ACA examinations to maintain our pre-excellence in the profession, how we maintain trust in the profession in a fragile world and how we attract a diverse range of students to join us.
As a council member, you also get the opportunity, if you so wish, to sit on ICAEW committees and boards which dive into more detailed areas which may interest you, such as tax policy, accounting or auditing standards, education and training, or ethics (a committee which I chaired for four years before becoming an office holder). And, of course, you get the opportunity to meet members and talk with them about all these matters and more.
I joined Council because I felt that there were things that should be changed in the profession (and changes that should be resisted) and because I felt it was up to all of us to ensure that we “keep the badge shiny”. But I have also got a lot out of it, as I am sure you would if you decided to stand for Council: I have met senior business leaders, government officials and politicians; learnt a lot about the world that I would not have done simply through my job, found many helpful contacts and made valuable friendships.
My aim as a Council member, and latterly as President, is to leave the Institute in a better place than it was. The world though is moving faster than it ever has been. And new members of Council with an appreciation of those changes, both within the UK and internationally, and the vision to move ICAEW forward are key to our continuing success.
If being involved in that journey appeals to you, then please consider standing for Council in the forthcoming elections. Whatever your skills, whether you are new to the profession, mid-career or a long-standing member, whether you are in business, practice or the third sector, your insight will be invaluable.
The Council Member’s Role Profile can be found on the ICAEW website along with how to apply and the closing date for applications. I am also happy to talk to any member thinking of standing – contact me either through the ICAEW Governance Office council.elections@icaew.com or via LinkedIn.
As a council member, you also get the opportunity, if you so wish, to sit on ICAEW committees and boards which dive into more detailed areas which may interest you, such as tax policy, accounting or auditing standards, education and training, or ethics (a committee which I chaired for four years before becoming an office holder). And, of course, you get the opportunity to meet members and talk with them about all these matters and more.
I joined Council because I felt that there were things that should be changed in the profession (and changes that should be resisted) and because I felt it was up to all of us to ensure that we “keep the badge shiny”. But I have also got a lot out of it, as I am sure you would if you decided to stand for Council: I have met senior business leaders, government officials and politicians; learnt a lot about the world that I would not have done simply through my job, found many helpful contacts and made valuable friendships.
My aim as a Council member, and latterly as President, is to leave the Institute in a better place than it was. The world though is moving faster than it ever has been. And new members of Council with an appreciation of those changes, both within the UK and internationally, and the vision to move ICAEW forward are key to our continuing success.
If being involved in that journey appeals to you, then please consider standing for Council in the forthcoming elections. Whatever your skills, whether you are new to the profession, mid-career or a long-standing member, whether you are in business, practice or the third sector, your insight will be invaluable.
The Council Member’s Role Profile can be found on the ICAEW website along with how to apply and the closing date for applications. I am also happy to talk to any member thinking of standing – contact me either through the ICAEW Governance Office council.elections@icaew.com or via LinkedIn.
I joined Council because I felt that there were things that should be changed in the profession (and changes that should be resisted) and because I felt it was up to all of us to ensure that we “keep the badge shiny”. But I have also got a lot out of it, as I am sure you would if you decided to stand for Council"