There is likely to be a time in your career as a public sector finance professional where additional support is needed. Perhaps you have an ethical dilemma at work? Maybe you are in the middle of managing a complex technical issue? Or are you a student at the beginning of your career and want some further advice?

ICAEW and CIPFA have a wide range of support for members working in the public sector that is suitable for a variety of issues and needs. Full details of the resources and support available to you are outlined below. 

Starting point: internal support 

As a starting point, we would always recommend that you review and make the most of whatever support is available in your organisation. Most have detailed support systems in place for their employees; your line manager is usually the best person to approach in the first instance. 

Many organisations will also provide access to detailed resources or guidance. However, if further advice or support is needed, you may also wish to discuss the issue in question with higher levels of management, other departments such as legal, audit or human resources, the corporate governance function such as the audit committee, or with a trusted friend.

Public Sector Community

ICAEW’s Public Sector Community provides key resources and guidance that is directly tailored to the sector, covering audit and assurance, financial reporting, financial management and information on public sector finances.

Membership of the Community is free and is open to everyone, including non-ICAEW members.

Helplines and support for ICAEW members

ICAEW operates dedicated helplines targeted to the different kinds of issues that individuals may face in their working lives:

Technical Advisory Service: as the name suggests, the Technical Advisory Service provides advice to members on a range of technical topics. These include accounting under UK GAAP and IFRS, ethical issues, anti-money laundering matters or matters under company law, and many more. View How to get the best from TAS for more information. Tel: +44 (0)1908 248 250 or webchat.

Ethics Advisory Service: this is a confidential free helpline that can provide advice on a wide range of ethical issues, such as applying the ICAEW code of ethics. The helpline is exempt from the duty to report professional misconduct within ICAEW and is open to ICAEW members, affiliates, ICAEW students and staff in eligible firms with member firm access. Tel: +44 (0)1908 248 250 or webchat

Money laundering helpline: this helpline provides advice on general and specific issues concerning money laundering regulations and guidance, which can be discussed anonymously. Tel: +44 (0)1908 248 250

ICAEW Fraud Advisory Helpline: this anonymous and confidential telephone line provides support and guidance to members, where they, or their clients, have been victims of fraud. The helpline is open to ICAEW members, affiliates, ICAEW students and staff in eligible firms with member firm access. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 248 250 or for more information use The ICAEW Fraud Advisory Helpline.

Support Members Scheme: the Support Members Scheme is run by volunteer members of ICAEW from a wide range of backgrounds. It is a confidential, free service exempt from the duty to report misconduct within ICAEW. It provides advice and help to members in difficulties on a wide range of issues, from personal worries such as health, finances or returning to work, to any work-related concerns that you might have. Tel: +44 (0) 800 917 3526, Email: support.members@icaew.com or explore the Support Members Scheme site for more information.

ACA Student Mentoring Programme: this programme offers UK-based ACA students the opportunity to be mentored by an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, providing students independent advice and support from a mentor that aligns with your key development areas. More information: Student mentoring programme

Support for CIPFA members

CIPFA offers a Technical Enquiry Service that provides specialist technical guidance to CIPFA members and registered students across the UK.

It provides guidance on financial reporting issues, governance and audit issues, as well as matters relating to CIPFA’s professional codes.

Further support can also be found on CIPFA’s website, which contains several resources relevant to CIPFA members working within the public sector.