BFP Declaration Requirements
Individuals are required to declare any past act or default that might be perceived as bringing discredit on themselves, ICAEW or the profession of accountancy.
This application is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are not sure whether your convictions are spent, further guidance is available on the Disclosure and Barring Service and Nacro websites.
Acts or defaults occurring before and after registration with ICAEW should be declared to ICAEW as soon as is practicably possible; however long ago the act or default occurred and wherever it took place. If you are found to have failed to disclose relevant information, your registration application may be revoked or BFP status prevented or withdrawn. In addition, disciplinary action may be taken against you.
Acts requiring disclosure would include (but are not limited to):
- being found guilty of (or having pleaded guilty to) any criminal offences;
- having been charged with a criminal offence which is as yet to come to trial;
- entering into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or similar composition with creditors;
- failing to satisfy a judgement debt;
- being the subject of an adverse finding by a professional body or regulator;
- having had a disqualification order made, or having given a disqualification undertaking, under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, or similar overseas legislation; or
- having entered into bankruptcy or being a discharged bankrupt.
Some of the matters listed are UK specific, but you should always declare any equivalent act or default which occurred outside the UK. Please note that if you make a disclosure, this will not automatically result in your BFP registration being refused. ICAEW may, however, wish to make further enquiries before reaching a decision.