Find out about Ricky's experience as an ICAEW Council member.
I would guess I have a pretty unique career path for a Chartered Accountant. I trained in the Civil Service, went to Industry, and then the ‘Big 4’ before starting my own firm, specialising in Business Strategy & Operating Model Design.
I would say that in the past, I was a proud but disengaged ICAEW member. When I started out on my own, I looked into what resources the ICAEW offers and what I pay this sub for… I have to say I am very glad I did, and it is something I should have done sooner. That being said the Institute felt very geared towards our members in practice, when like me, most of our members don’t actually work in practice. So, I didn’t feel I really fit in, when the opportunity came to run for a seat on Council, I felt I should get involved and frankly I was slightly surprised to be successful.
I am glad I did, as being on council has allowed me to shape the future of the Institute, bringing a different view as someone with a different career, expertise and neurodiversity. For me as someone who designs companies, it is extremely rewarding to be able to use my expertise to help the Institute as well as enlightening to be on the ‘other side’ as the one making decisions which affect our 150,000 members.
My advice for anyone, particularly people who aren’t sure if it is right for them, is to give it a go. You do not need to be a Partner, CFO etc. to make a valuable contribution. We need Council to be more representative of the thoughts of all members, which means we need all types of members to stand. This is the only way for the Institute to keep moving forward.
I would say that in the past, I was a proud but disengaged ICAEW member. When I started out on my own, I looked into what resources the ICAEW offers and what I pay this sub for… I have to say I am very glad I did, and it is something I should have done sooner. That being said the Institute felt very geared towards our members in practice, when like me, most of our members don’t actually work in practice. So, I didn’t feel I really fit in, when the opportunity came to run for a seat on Council, I felt I should get involved and frankly I was slightly surprised to be successful.
I am glad I did, as being on council has allowed me to shape the future of the Institute, bringing a different view as someone with a different career, expertise and neurodiversity. For me as someone who designs companies, it is extremely rewarding to be able to use my expertise to help the Institute as well as enlightening to be on the ‘other side’ as the one making decisions which affect our 150,000 members.
My advice for anyone, particularly people who aren’t sure if it is right for them, is to give it a go. You do not need to be a Partner, CFO etc. to make a valuable contribution. We need Council to be more representative of the thoughts of all members, which means we need all types of members to stand. This is the only way for the Institute to keep moving forward.
