Planned career break
Reduced subscriptions
If you’re on a career break, you may be eligible for a reduced subscription.
Returning to work – know your rights
You have employment rights and responsibilities when you return to work after Statutory Maternity Leave and other types of parental leave. Find out what these are and what to do if you have any problems or you are denied your rights.
The Working Families website is another source of advice for those returning to work after a career break. They also have a free legal helpline giving parents and carers advice about legal and in-work benefits, as well as helping them to negotiate the flexible hours they want.
CPD for members on a career break
If you are on a career break, such as maternity leave, you still need to maintain CPD compliance. If you have not worked in the previous year, you should make a positive declaration. If you are selected to provide evidence of your CPD compliance, you can state that there was no requirement to undertake any CPD activities that year because you were not working.
| CPD is changing: From 1 November 2023 ICAEW's CPD requirements are changing to require a minimum number of CPD hours each year, some of which must be verifiable. You can find guidance and support at icaew.com/CPDchanges. There is specific guidance for those whose circumstances have changed. |
Online resources from the ICAEW Library
Are you thinking of moving into a new industry sector, or applying for a new job and need some background information?
The ICAEW Library & Information service has a wide range of online resources that you can access from your desktop.
Keeping up to date
Keeping up to date with your skills and current issues in the profession is important when you plan to return to the workplace. Here are four ideas to get you started:
ICAEW technical updates
Updated regularly, the technical area covers key developments in many sectors. It’s a great place to start when reviewing your CPD needs.
Volunteering
Volunteering on a project organised through the ICAEW could be a good way of getting back into the working habit. It’s good for building up confidence and your personal network of contacts and is also great for your CV.
Join one of our specialist networks
Joining a Faculty or Community is a great way to build personal contacts and expand networks in specific business areas and sectors, as well as to keep up to date with technical knowledge and marketplace developments.
Networking
Building and maintaining a good network of contacts can pay dividends to your career, with online social networking now playing a major role. Follow our simple guide and start building your network.
Professional support and advice
ICAEW provides expert advice and guidance on all the technical, ethical and practical aspects of your professional life, offering support via helplines and online resources.
Going back to work after a career break can be daunting. However, there are certain things you can do to make sure your return goes as well as possible.
Redundancy
Please tell us
The first thing you should do is let us know about your situation. That way, we’ll know to contact you with relevant help and support. Do this by:
- Updating your employment status in your member profile to let us know that you’re between jobs
- Then, opt-in to receive updates on career and personal development via the communications preference centre
Our career services
We support members who have taken a career break by offering support on a personal, practical and professional level. Let us help you get back into work:
- Register on ICAEWjobs.com for updates on fantastic opportunities for qualified accountants
- Get one-to-one career advice from our professional career coach
- Practical help: Seeking work
- Professional help: Professional development
Confidential advice and support
If you need someone to talk to in confidence, contact our volunteer team of support members. You can discuss personal worries, money troubles or career concerns with them. Alternatively, please contact the scheme on +44(0)800 917 3526.
CABA’s helpline also provides free confidential advice, including legal advice and emotional support. For more about CABA, visit their website.
Reduced membership subscription
If you have a low income when your membership is due for renewal, then you may be eligible to pay a reduced subscription. Unemployed members usually qualify, and so do members who are taking a career break.
Financial assistance and help with debt management
Financial assistance may be available from CABA through their grant-giving schemes and longer term support. If you are worried about making loan or mortgage repayments, please contact CABA. They provide independent, impartial and confidential advice. Call +44 (0) 1788 556 366
Upcoming events
These events are aimed at helping accounting professionals successfully transition back into work after an extended career break. Explore our past events here.
CABA events and training
ICAEW members and their families can access free training and online courses and networking events. Find out more on the CABA website.