ICAS events

In-person and online
Browse our calendar of upcoming webinars and in-person events, designed to provide, inspiration, advice and connection, no matter where you are.
Missed a webinar?
Below you’ll also find links to recordings of all past ICAS Insights and Ask ICAS webinars, so you can catch up on any you might have missed.
Keep an eye on your inbox
Look out for our weekly events email, with news on the latest webinars and in-person events in your area.
Upcoming events
30 March - VAT update
Date: Thursday 30 March 2023
Time: 11am until 12noon
Event summary
As the 50th anniversary of the introduction of VAT in the UK approaches and following the introduction of MTD for VAT for all VAT registered businesses (unless exempt), there’s certainly been lots of changes on the VAT front.
In this webinar, our experts will reflect on VAT’s evolution since its inception fifty years ago and what the future holds for tax and VAT. They will highlight the key recent and upcoming VAT changes to ensure that you’re up to date with the current guidance. Topical issues raised by ICAS members will also be covered during this online event. After the panel discussion, there’ll be the opportunity for attendees to ask questions during the live Q&A session.
Key themes and topics
- VAT update – the latest developments and upcoming changes
- Issues to consider for you and your client’s business
- Topical issues raised by ICAS members
Speakers
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
- Host: David Menzies CA, Director of Practice
- Chris Campbell CA CTA, Head of Tax (Tax Practice and Owner Managed Business Taxes)
- Tony Cochrane CTA, Associate Director, RSM
Who’s this for?
- CAs working in tax
- CAs working in business
- ICAS members
- Non members
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
5 April - ICAS Sydney Members Networking Event
Date: Wednesday 5 April 2023
Time: 5.30pm until 8.30pm
Location: Untied Rooftop, Lvl 4/400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Dress Code: Smart casual
Event summary
Join Shona Crighton CA, ICAS Sydney Ambassador and ICAS Committee, for an in-person event held at Untied Sydney, a modern Australian-themed roof top bar located in a vibrant part of the city.
Shona Crighton CA is based in Sydney and works as a Financial Controller for GrainCorp. With a keen focus on building a positive and inclusive culture within finance, Shona is also the proud Co-Founder of the BOND Network in Sydney, 'Building Opportunities Networks and Development'.
Join the committee for our first networking event of 2023 for some bites, drinks and conversation and a chance to hear about the events planned for 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet fellow CAs and catch up with friends based in and around Sydney.
This in-person event is open to ICAS members who are welcome to bring a plus one.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- ICAS Member guests
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
11 April - Spring Tax update: Part one - employment taxes update
Date: Tuesday 11 April 2023
Time: 11am until 12noon
Event summary
Join our essential roundup of the latest employment policy and practice tax matters including developments in the Spring Budget. In part one, Justine Riccomini and current CIOT president, Susan Ball, will present an update on the policy and practice landscape.
The session will be followed by a Q&A for the last ten minutes, giving you the opportunity to ask about the latest tax measures, and raise issues, concerns etc.
Key themes and topics
- Employment taxes policy developments
- Employment taxes developments from the Spring Budget
- Key areas of current difficulty for employers and practitioners
Speakers
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
- Host: David Menzies CA, Director of Practice
- Justine Riccomini, Head of Tax (Employment and Devolved), ICAS
- Susan Ball, Partner RSM and CIOT President 2022/23
Who’s this for?
- CAs working in Tax
- CAs working in Business
- CAs working in Practice
- CA Students
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
18 April - Spring Tax update: Part two - Taxation of Owner Managed Businesses
Date: Tuesday 18 April 2023
Time: 11am until 12noon
Event summary
Join our essential roundup of the latest tax matters including developments in the Spring Budget. In part two, you’ll get a general tax update covering business taxes affecting Owner Managed Businesses, including an overview, a reminder of what’s changing and pointers on where to get further information.
There will be an opportunity to ask ICAS staff about the latest Owner Managed Business tax measures, and to raise any problems and/or concerns, with HMRC services levels and how they are impacting you or your clients.
You will also get the chance to hear about topical issues where the ICAS Tax team have represented members’ interests to the authorities.
Key themes and topics
- Business Taxes
- Tax Developments from the Spring Budget and Finance Bill
Speakers
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
- Host: David Menzies CA, Director of Practice
- Chris Campbell CA CTA, Head of Tax (Tax Practice and Owner Managed Business Taxes)
Who’s this for?
- CAs working in Tax
- CAs working in Business
- CAs working in Practice
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
18 April - Greenwashing: Avoid, Identify, Act
Date: Tuesday 18 April 2023
Time: 5pm until 6pm BST
Event summary
An increasing number of companies are being accused of ‘greenwashing’: making misleading or unsubstantiated environmental claims about their products or activities. This has resulted in a growing trust gap emerging between consumers and corporations. How can you ensure your organisation’s environmental statements are accurate and would not be susceptible to allegations of greenwashing?
Join Chartered Accountants Worldwide for a FinBiz2030 Building Resilience webinar to explore this question in detail. Attendees will hear from a panel of experts from the worlds of business, finance, and law as they discuss the issues around greenwashing and its consequences.
Key themes and topics
- Greenwashing
- The importance of accurate environmental statements
- Consumer cynicism and distrust
Speakers
- Full speaker details to be announced soon.
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars and webinars shared by ICAS are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
This event is not hosted by ICAS. Any queries you may have relating to this event, and for details of their terms and conditions, should be directed to the event organiser’s directly.
For general information view ICAS’ terms and conditions.
26 April - Charity Finance Group technical update – Scotland
Date: Wednesday 26 April 2023
Time: 9am until 2pm
Location: Abrdn, 1 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LL
Cost: ICAS members receive a discounted rate of £65.00
Event summary
Run by Charity Finance Group, this in-person event invites charity finance professionals and their accountancy advisers to network and learn from expert speakers and peers. The event, held over half a day in central Edinburgh, will cover essential technical developments in charity finance, including;
- Regulatory and governance updates
- Accounting, reporting and audit updates
- A legal and case law update
From important regulatory updates to VAT and other tax matters, to the latest news in accounting and reporting, delegates will gain updates on all the big issues relevant to charity finance professionals and their accountancy advisers. The sessions will be tailored to the Scottish charity sector.
ICAS members are entitled to the discounted CFG members rate of £65 per person. If you would like to attend and are an ICAS member, email events@cfg.org.uk and they will process the booking for you.
Key themes and topics
- A round up on the latest governance and regulatory updates
- Technical updates on the latest accounting and reporting changes
- Discussions on the latest legal and case law updates
Speakers
- Victoria Simpson, Director and Head of Charities, Anderson Strathern and ICAS Charities Panel member
- Laura Anderson, Senior Manager Higher Risk Cases & Quality Assurance, Office of Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
Further information, including news of further speakers as these are announced, can be found on the CFG’s webpage for the event.
Who's this for?
- ICAS members
- Accountants
- Finance directors
- Finance managers
- Heads of finance
- Accountancy advisers, auditor and independent examiners
This event is not hosted by ICAS. Any queries you may have relating to this event, and for details of their terms and conditions, should be directed to the event organisers directly.
Counts as CPD activity: The event is not CPD certified, but does count towards continuous professional development.
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, attending this in-person event can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
For general information view ICAS’ terms and conditions.
26 April - ICAS special summit on sustainability reporting
Date: Wednesday 26 April 2023
Time: 1:30pm until 6pm GMT
Location: One Great George Street, 1 Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
Dress code: Smart casual
Event summary
- What is the future of sustainability disclosure reporting?
- How, and should organisations be held accountable for the impact they have on our environment, society, social mobility and diversity?
- Should companies be held responsible for economic sustainability and staff well-being?
- How can we make sure that businesses report information which shows true estimate of their impact and reduce the risk of “greenwashing”?
- How will sustainability reporting standards in various jurisdictions interact and facilitate cross-border reporting?
- What mechanisms will be in place to ensure accountability, proportionality and capacity development?
These are just some of the questions we hope to address at a special upcoming ICAS policy summit on sustainability reporting in central London.
The ICAS sustainability summit will be an opportunity for those closest to developing and implementing UK, European and International sustainability reporting disclosure standards to discuss how we meet the information needs of users and stakeholders.
We’ll hear from speakers including Andrew Death, Deputy Director at the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade, Judy Kuszewski, Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board, Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President, and Mark Vaessen, President of Accountancy Europe.
Our speakers will discuss sustainability reporting requirements and the development and use of standards, which will provide a benchmark for investors and other stakeholders to assess the impact of business on sustainable development. This thought-provoking summit will also include two panel discussions where participants can pose their questions to a range of expert speakers.
These experts will consider how we develop quality and consistent reporting; what help the market might need; how we align sustainability reporting standards and whether we can satisfy all stakeholder needs.
We hope you can join us for our first special summit on this important topic. This in-person event is free to attend and open to all. Attendees of the event will be given the opportunity to ask our panel questions during the Q&A session.
The recording of the summit and a special summit report will be available on our website following the event.
Why is ICAS holding this event?
We are committed to playing our part in highlighting the impact of business on sustainable development, and sustainability risks and opportunities, to our members and the wider public. We hope that by bringing together relevant decisions makers, stakeholders and our members, we can help inform decision making in this crucial area of public policy.
We believe that the accountancy profession has an important role to play and that accountants are well placed to work with sustainability experts and decision makers to drive the changes needed in the business and finance sectors to meet our collective UK and global net zero targets.
Who are the speakers and panellists?
- Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS CEO
- Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President
- Judy Kuszewski, Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board
- Saskia Slomp, CEO of EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group)
- Andrew Death, Deputy Director of the Department of Business and Trade
- Mark Vaessen, President of Accountancy Europe
- Mark Babington, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards, FRC
- Philippe Diaz, Senior Manager, WWF Germany
- Matthew Forster - Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at BRITVIC PLC
Further panellists and speakers will be announced closer to the date.
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
- Non-members who work with or are interested in sustainability reporting.
- Interested media
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, attending this event can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
27 April – ICAS Calgary members event
Date: Thursday 27 April 2023
Time: 5.30pm until 8pm
Location: Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 Fifth Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0L5
Dress Code: Smart casual
Event summary
Join us for our first Calgary networking event since 2019 for some drinks and conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet fellow CAs and catch up with friends based in and around Calgary.
Join our host Lawrence Rice CA, Corporate Development, Parkland Corporation, and other local ICAS members for an in-person event held at the Calgary Petroleum Club, a dynamic place to network with fellow professionals.
If you have any questions about the event, feel free to reach out to Lawrence directly at lawrence.rice@parkland.ca.
Lawrence Rice CA, has lived in Calgary since 2016 when he transferred to Deloitte Calgary’s M&A team from the Deloitte Aberdeen office. In 2019, Lawrence joined Parkland Corporation’s Corporate Development team to be a key part of the company’s growth by acquisition strategy.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
4 May – ICAS Dubai members event
Date: Thursday 4 May 2023
Time: 6.30pm until 8.30pm GST
Location: Vault Bar, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 121000
Dress Code: Smart casual
Event summary
Join Suzy Kerton CA, ICAS Council Member, for an in-person event taking place in the stunning surroundings of the Vault Bar.
The Vault bar is renowned for its world-class design and panoramic views of downtown Dubai. This evening of drinks and networking is open to all ICAS members to attend.
As Founder and CEO of cloud-based accountancy services, Zyla Accountants, Suzy now lives and works in Dubai. Prior to this, she was based in the UK, where she completed her MBA at Imperial College London.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet fellow CAs and catch up with friends based in and around Dubai.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
11 May - Spring Tax update: Part three - general taxes update
Date: Thursday 11 May 2023
Time: 11am until 12noon
Event summary
Join our essential roundup of the most important recent tax developments, including announcements in the Spring Budget. In part three, you’ll get an update on the key tax developments and things to look out for across the main taxes. The webinar will also touch on issues where the ICAS tax team has taken up members’ concerns with HMRC. There will be opportunities to ask questions and to give feedback on problems or concerns with HMRC systems and service levels.
Key themes and topics
- Personal taxes, corporate taxes, VAT and tax administration
- Announcements in the Spring Budget
- The latest developments in the government programme for raising standards in the tax advice market
Speakers
(Please note that views and opinions expressed by speakers at ICAS webinars are their own and not necessarily reflective of ICAS’ views.)
- Host: David Menzies CA, Director of Practice
- Susan Cattell, Head of Tax Technical Policy, ICAS
Who’s this for?
- CAs working in Tax
- CAs working in Business
- CAs working in Practice
- CA Students
Counts as CPD activity
Depending upon your individual role and training and development needs, watching this webinar can count towards your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
11 May - An evening with ICAS at Johnnie Walker
Date: Thursday 11 May 2023
Time: 6.30pm until 9pm
Location: Johnnie Walker, 145 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BL
Dress code: Smart
Event summary
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and make new connections with fellow ICAS members.
Hear from the new ICAS President in the beautiful surroundings of the Johnnie Walker building located in Edinburgh’s West End. This is an opportunity to learn more about the new president’s plans for the year ahead and network with other CAs in-person.
The Johnnie Walker venue is renowned for offering spectacular and unforgettable immersive experiences. For an evening of drinks, hors d'oeuvres and networking in one of the UK’s most creative and unique venues be sure to register your place now.
This event is free for ICAS members, however, spaces for this event are limited, so we encourage those interested in attending to register below as soon as possible.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- ICAS Students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
18 May – ICAS Guernsey members event
Date: Thursday 18 May 2023
Time: 6.30pm until 8.30pm
Location: Little Big Brew Co, 23 St. George's Esplanade, Guernsey GY1 2BG
Dress Code: Smart casual
Event summary
ICAS invites you for an evening of drinks, pizza and conversation at the Little Big Brew Co on Thursday 18 May at 6.30pm.
Welcome drinks will be followed by a 30-minute tour of the brewery, where you will be given an insight into the beer making process. Pizza and an inclusive bar (including wine and soft drinks) will be provided for the rest of the evening.
Roy McGregor CA has been the Guernsey Ambassador since 2014, Roy is standing down from this role and this will be his last event as Ambassador. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with Roy and meet Bruce McDougall CA who will be taking over from Roy as the new Ambassador for Guernsey.
Register your place now and we look forward to seeing you there.
Who are the hosts?
- Roy McGregor CA, ICAS Guernsey Ambassador
- Bruce McDougall CA, Director, Black Arrow Cyber Consulting Ltd.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
18 May - An evening with ICAS at the Sky Garden
Date: Thursday 18 May 2023
Time: 7pm until 9.30pm
Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Dress code: Smart
Event summary
Experience London in a way you haven’t before, by taking in the views in the lush setting of the city’s highest public garden.
This is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and make new connections with fellow ICAS members in London’s spectacular Sky Garden. You’ll also be able to meet the new ICAS President and learn more about their plans for the year ahead.
For an evening of drinks, hors d'oeuvres and networking in the breathtaking surroundings the Sky Garden’s botanic landscape, be sure to register your place now
This event is free for ICAS members, however, spaces for this event are limited, so we encourage those interested in attending to register below as soon as possible.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Members
- ICAS Students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
9 November 2023 - ICAS Grampian Area Network CA Dinner 2023
Date: Thursday 9 November 2023
Venue: The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, N Deeside Rd, Pitfodels, Aberdeen AB15 9YA
Price: £1200 for a table of 10 / £120 for individual places
(Early bird discount details are outlined in full below, please read for more information)
Times: 7pm to 12am with the room remaining available until 1am for networking
Dress Code: Black Tie
Event summary
ICAS is pleased to announce that the annual Grampian Area Network Dinner will be taking place at the prestigious Marcliffe Hotel on Thursday 9 November 2023.
The ICAS Grampian dinner is the networking event of the year and is aimed at all professionals in the Grampian community, not just CAs.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with friends, colleagues, clients and fellow industry professionals within the Grampian Area. It’s also a great chance for firms and companies to introduce their newly qualified ICAS members to the local community and we encourage firms and companies with anyone who has members that Qualified from November 2022 – November 2023 to invite them along.
The ticket price includes a three-course meal followed by the opportunity to network with others. ICAS is delighted to announce that Scottish actor and comedian, Jane McCarry will be joining the evening and providing after-dinner entertainment.
Please note, tables will be sold on a first-come first-served basis. A 10% early bird discount will be applied to bookings made before 31 May 2023.
We look forward to welcoming you at our most anticipated event of the year!
Please note there are various sponsorship packages available to support the dinner and advertise your firm/company!
Please reach out to the ICAS team for more information by emailing events@icas.com.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Past webinars
February 2023
23 February - UK GAAP: A Periodic Review
Hear from the UK Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Director of Accounting Policy, Jenny Carter, about the proposed changes to UK GAAP(Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) as set out in ‘Financial Reporting Exposure Draft 82: Draft amendments to FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and other FRSs – Periodic Review’.
Changes to UK GAAP are expected to come into force for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025, with early adoption permitted provided all amendments are applied at the same time.
9 February - MTD ITSA and basis period reform – where are we?
Before Christmas, HMRC announced that the mandatory timescale for Making Tax Digital for Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA) has been delayed until at least 6 April 2026. But while this has made the headlines, the delay is only part of the story and Members in practice still need to take steps to prepare self-assessment clients for change.
Hear directly from the ICAS tax experts on the changes to MTD ITSA which have been announced as well as gain insight from the additional briefings and discussions from HMRC.
January 2023
24 January - ICAS & The British Business Bank: SME Funding
Hear from ICAS Members and the British Business Bank (BBB) on finance for SMEs. Hosted by Gary Connell CA, CFO at Fotech and Member of the ICAS Business Policy Panel, this webinar will be of interest to Members in practice and business. Listen to Gary and the panel of CAs in practice and business share their perspectives on SME funding, debt and non-debt finance and managing debt effectively.
19 January - Lessons on leadership: Lord Woolley
Lord Woolley is a pivotal figure in race equality within UK Government. Having dedicated his career to tackling racial inequalities within politics, health, education, and employment as well as addressing the social injustices affecting underrepresented communities, he empowers others through his leadership roles. Listen to Lord Woolley discuss his career to date, from founding Operation Black Vote (OBV) in 1996 to the present day, where he divides his time between the House of Lords and his office at Homerton College.
December 2022
13 December - Ask ICAS: Autumn Statement 2022 analysis and tax update
Following the Autumn Statement on 17 November, ICAS held an online panel discussion examining key aspects and outcomes of the budget.
ICAS’ tax experts delved into recent developments in the world of tax, covering Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Employment taxes, Making Tax Digital (MTD) and associated topics. Viewers of this online event will gain an essential round-up of the latest matters arising from the Autumn Statement.
November 2022
23 November - The value of networking
Watch this webinar for a thought-provoking panel discussion on why networking is important and should be made accessible to all. Viewers of this event will gain practical knowledge and tips that can be applied to their daily roles.
October 2022
31 October - Black History Month: Action through allyship
Watch this webinar for an insightful panel discussion with Black professionals from varied business backgrounds. They reveal insights that all CAs can action as allies, and share the lessons they have learned as advocates for equality when building inclusive businesses and enterprises.
27 October - Ask ICAS: How charities can benefit from changes to the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme
Hear about recent changes to the Scottish Local Government Pension scheme which provide Scottish charities with new options for managing their LGPS pension liabilities.
September 2022
29 September - Ask ICAS: Implementing Quality Management Standards
James Barbour CA, Director, Policy Leadership at ICAS is joined by audit practitioners for a discussion focusing on some of the key issues to be considered when implementing International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) (UK) 1 and related standards.
22 September - Impact reporting: How charities communicate the difference they have made
Hear from the academic team undertaking research into impact practice and reporting by UK charities.
June 2022
29 June - Employment Law - Back to basics
Join us for this informative hybrid event, hosted by the ICAS Highland Area Network. The session is led by Kirk Tudhope (Partner at Ledingham Chalmers LLP) and his employment team, who share insights and guide discussion about the many employment challenges which arise in the workplace.
23 June - Ask ICAS: Russian Sanctions - everything you need to know
Jeremy Clarke, Assistant Director, Practice at ICAS is joined by specialists from the corporate crime and investigations team at Brodies LLP. In this informative session, Paul Marshall (Partner, Brodies LLP) and Lisa Kinroy (Associate, Brodies LLP) discuss and explore the key components of the UK Sanctions regime from a CA’s perspective.
7 June - Finance + Sustainability: Building a sustainable business
As part of ICAS’s Finance+ Insight series, join us for a webinar with Portia Hart. During this session, Portia, who is an enthusiastic advocate for sustainability, shares her journey of setting up a business with a focus on the circular economy, and how CAs can use their financial skills to improve social and environmental outcomes.
May 2022
26 May - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update 2: Employment taxes
Join the ICAS Tax Team for the second of their two Spring Tax Updates, covering all things related to employment tax. You’ll gain an essential round up of the latest employment tax matters, including relevant developments arising from the recent Spring Statement.
19 May - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update 1: Personal and business taxes
Join the ICAS Tax Team for the first of their two Spring Tax Updates, covering all things related to personal and business taxes. You’ll gain an essential round up of the latest tax matters, including developments arising from the recent Spring Statement.
12 May - Ask ICAS: How to develop a mental-health plan for your organisation
Join Richard Rutnagur of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and representatives from two SMEs explain the personal and professional importance of mental health and share principles that can help all organisations to develop their own mental-health plans.
April 2022
28 April - Finance + Technology: Fintech opportunities and the evolution of accountancy
Join Susanne Chishti, Chief Executive Officer of FINTECH Circle, as she discusses how the accountancy profession is set to evolve in the near-future and how the role of CAs will change as technology continues to advance.
26 April - Ask ICAS: Navigating the National Minimum Wage with your clients – a practitioner’s guide
National Minimum Wage governance should be straight forward. After all, it’s just pay and hours, isn’t it? Sadly, it’s not so simple, but thankfully, Ask ICAS is here to help you understand the complexities. Join Jeni Morris, Head of EY’s National Minimum Wage Team, to cover everything from understanding who the NMW applies to, where recently named-and-shamed companies got it wrong and what the Single Enforcement Body means for you and your clients.
7 April - Ask ICAS: Risk considerations throughout the lifecycle of a practice
Your accountancy practice will always face risks but the form and severity will change depending on whether you’re starting out, growing your business or looking to sell or cease-trading. Join Edward Partridge from Marsh Commercial, one of the UK’s leading commercial insurance brokers, as he presents advice on identifying and mitigating risk across the lifecycle of a standard practice.
March 2022
31 March – Finance + EDI: Psychological safety, the secret to good leadership
Our speakers share their personal leadership experiences and the practical steps they took to improve psychological safety in their workplaces.
February 2022
28 February – ICAS President on business ethics
Join President Bruce Pritchard CA, for a discussion and Q&A on being a force for good in business at this event which was held in collaboration with the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School.
24 February – Ask ICAS: De-risking and automating your client engagement process
Discover what makes a good engagement letter and why you should have one for each client and each engagement. You’ll discover how to implement a robust engagement letter management system to keep track of your engagement letters, automate reminders to clients, enable digital signatures and collect payment details in one platform.
January 2022
20 January – Ask ICAS: Managing COVID-19: insights from CAs in the public sector
Catch up on what CAs working in the public sector across the NHS, local government and audit shared of their insights and professional experiences of managing these challenges and what they revealed about how their CA skills were put to good use throughout the pandemic.
As we move towards a post-COVID world, our speakers considered the learning points, future opportunities and challenges for the public sector and its finances.
18 January - ICAS Insights: How can the UK balance the books?
Following her article in the December/January issue of the CA magazine, Kitty Ussher, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors and former Labour MP, examined how Covid’s ‘fiscal hangover’ is likely to influence policymaking at Westminster.
Hear Kitty explore the various fiscal tools at the government’s disposal and their effects on business activity and economic inequality across the UK.
December 2021
9 December: Ask ICAS: Code of Ethics changes - your essential update
James Barbour CA, Director – Policy Leadership, discussed the changes being made to the Code, why they are necessary and how they might impact CAs working in business and practice. He also highlighted the resources that are available to help you meet your ethical obligations.
2 December: Ask ICAS: AML – getting client due diligence right
Join Alasdair Millar CA, Senior Practice Monitoring Reviewer and Jeremy Clarke CA, Assistant Director, Practice as they discuss the key elements of client due diligence and provide hints and tips that will help you to get the process right.
November 2021
30 November: The production and consumption of intangibles
Watch our session where a panel of experts discussed the results and practical recommendations from a research project on the reporting of intangibles by the University of Ferrara (Italy) - an ambitious large-scale project funded by ICAS and further jointly supported by EFRAG and EFFAS.
18 November: Ask ICAS: Top tips for avoiding complaints
Laura Gow (solicitor) and Laura Spowart (CA) have nearly 20 years’ combined experience of investigating complaints made to ICAS. In this session, they discussed the common themes and trends in complaints, suggesting practical tips on how to avoid being on the receiving end of a complaint.
11 November: Ask ICAS: The Budget in practice
Join ICAS’ tax experts for an update on the Autumn 2021 Budget and other developments in the world of tax.
9 November: ICAS Insights: How inclusive leadership will boost your business
Watch this webinar for an informal panel discussion that explored the day-to-day gender equality issues faced by women in the profession and revealed ways in which men can overcome the blockers that stop them from acting.
Our speakers told their personal career stories, sharing real-life insights to illustrate the problems and illuminate the solutions that can drive forward change and boost business performance.
4 November: Ask ICAS: Joining the evolution of the audit
Learn how new digital technologies into the audit process will deliver insight, cultivate collaboration and benefit clients and staff.
October 2021
21 October: Ask ICAS: Payroll and employment update
Join the Ask ICAS team and Dawn Dickson, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland for an essential update that will cover all the latest news and the must-know developments from the worlds of employment tax and employment law, including the impacts of the new Health and Social Care Levy.
14 October: Ask ICAS: HMRC approach to debt management
The approach of HMRC to management of debt arrears will be crucial to company cashflow, and ultimately some businesses’ survival, as the economy begins to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear directly from HMRC on their approach to debt management and how the fine line between debt collection and debt forbearance will be addressed.
September 2021
24 September - ICAS Insights: Towards sustainability reporting standards
Following the IFRS Foundation’s decision to develop sustainability reporting standards and establish a new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) alongside the IASB, there seems to be increasing demand for, and momentum behind, non-financial reporting being given an equal footing to financial reporting. Our discussion explored what has been learned from the development of financial reporting standards that could be helpful in the development of sustainability reporting standards.
23 September - Ask ICAS: Professional Indemnity Insurance
Marsh Commercial, appointed insurance broker for ICAS Members, provides an update on the rapidly evolving risk landscape. A number of events in recent years have impacted the professional indemnity (PI) market, creating a lack of supply and driving premiums up. Insurers are paying close attention to your ability to identify and manage risk. This webinar aims to help Members achieve the cover they need at renewal.
9 September – Ask ICAS: VAT Update
As the rules about the administration of VAT continuously and quickly evolve, keeping on top of it all can be difficult. In this webinar we highlighted all the key recent and upcoming changes, clarified their impact on the treatment of VAT and ensured that you’re up to date with the current guidance.
August 2021
26 August: Ask ICAS: Basis period reform - where are we heading?
Tax is moving to real-time but what does this mean for businesses and advisers? Join the ICAS Tax and Practice teams to hear more about HMRC’s proposals for basis period reform and to hear the Member views that are helping to shape ICAS’ response to the consultation.
17 August: ICAS Insights: Five key strategies to build a resilient mindset
Former lawyer and judge, Emma J. Bell spent three years travelling over 35,000 miles around the world to interview 50 extraordinary people who were flourishing in the face of adversity. She wanted to discover their resilience strategies and whether it's possible for us all to thrive through difficulty. Emma’s research identified nine 'Secrets to Thriving’ that we can all apply to thrive each and every day. In this webinar, Emma shared some stories of the ’50 Thrivers’ and the five key strategies to build a resilient mindset.
June 2021
30 June - How can good disclosure enable the green finance agenda?
This joint event, with ICAS, ACCA, ICAEW and CFA Society (UK), was one of a series to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Green Finance Education Charter and to coincide with London Climate Action Week. The panel of expert and insightful speakers explored how good disclosures can enable the green finance agenda, discussed whether disclosures are driving the necessary change, and examined the challenges in building the capacity and skills required to achieve the agenda.
24 June - Ask ICAS: Essential tips for starting in practice
Join ICAS experts from Practice Support, Regulatory Authorisations, and a Member who has recently gone through the process of starting in practice, and get the essential tips to get your career in practice off to a flying start.
17 June - Ask ICAS: Exiting the pandemic - business finance schemes
We heard from the British Business Bank and UK Finance on COVID-19 business finances schemes including the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, the Pay As You Grow options and the new Recovery Loan Scheme. They outlined how these schemes are evolving to support this new stage in financing businesses and heard feedback from Members on how the schemes operate in practice.
10 June - Ask ICAS: Corporate governance and stewardship – what you need to know
We were joined by David Styles, Director of Corporate Governance at the Financial Reporting Council, for an update on corporate governance and stewardship and to get outline of key upcoming issues for listed and large private companies.
9 June - Strategic change – a sustainable future – hosted by the ICAS Grampian Area Network
In this session, hosted by the ICAS Grampian Area Network and Robert Gordon University, we were joined by Robin Watson CBE – CEO of Wood plc. Robin discussed transforming an oil-and-gas-dominated company into a diversified organisation and how through strategic change all businesses can work to address the energy-transition agenda.
8 June - ICAS Insights: Climate change - from reducing emissions to going net zero
In 2015 global leaders came together and committed to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Six years on from this defining moment, with the new Biden administration, the UK’s climate leadership and COP 26 in Glasgow there’s renewed momentum to meet this world-critical target.
The ICAS Sustainability Panel explored some of the key questions of the climate debate: what does Net Zero mean and why does this matter to you?How to take action and measure progress? The panel brought the perspectives of companies, investors and climate experts to discuss this existential journey and the challenges and opportunities it represents.
3 June - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update Part 3 – Tax administration, Timely Payment and raising standards in the tax advisory market
Join members of the ICAS Tax team for this interactive overview of key calls for evidence issued by HMRC on ‘Tax Day’ – the proposals will impact on all taxpayers and agents’ working lives going forward.
2 June - Employment-law update 2021 – hosted by the ICAS Highlands Area Network
In this session, hosted by the ICAS Highlands Area Network, and open to all ICAS Members and Students, we heard from Kirk Tudhope, a Partner at solicitors Ledingham Chalmers. Kirk presented an informative update that wasn’t full of legal jargon but was packed with everything businesses need to know about employment law, from redundancy issues to discrimination claims and TUPE.
1 June - ICAS Insights: CAs in arts and culture
COVID-19 has left the UK’s world-leading arts and culture sector fighting for survival. Following on from our recent CA magazine article, Culture Shock, magazine editor, Laurence Eastham chatted to three CAs from the arts and culture sector who shared how their work has been upended and what their recovery roadmaps look like post-pandemic.
May 2021
27 May - Ask ICAS: Regulatory update - Keeping on the right track
This webinar will give you an insight into the ICAS Monitoring team and its role in promoting quality and compliance across key areas of the profession. The session also includes key findings from their monitoring activities over the past 12 months, specifically in relation to anti-money laundering and audit – topics that ICAS and its member firms will be required to place significant focus on in the coming months.
25 May - Diversifying your career – hosted by the ICAS Lothian & Borders Area Network
Hear from a wide range of CAs all at different stages of their career, whose paths have included various levels of diversification and deliberate choices to achieve their aspirations. Get insights into what prompted their decisions and hear first-hand experiences of what it takes to make a big career move. They told us about how their ICAS membership and their CA qualification have enabled their professional diversity and shared advice for those who might be considering a change of their own.
13 May - ASK ICAS: Spring Tax Update - Part 2 - Taxation of businesses
Join members of the ICAS Tax team for this essential roundup of the latest business-tax matters including developments in the Finance Bill 2021.
In part two you’ll get a general tax update covering business and employment taxes, including an overview, a reminder of what’s changing and pointers on where to get further information.
11 May - ICAS Insights: How to empty your ‘stress bucket’
Too much negative thinking can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Understanding the biological process involved can enable you to manage these symptoms and leave you feeling better, mentally and physically.
To help us towards this positive goal we were joined by Gin Lalli, a qualified Solution Focused Psychotherapist for a pragmatic, engaging and informative session examining the science behind anxiety, stress and depression. Using examples and metaphors, Gin provided an accurate, straightforward explanation of brain function and how, by improving just one underestimated area of your life, you can empty your ‘stress bucket’.
ICAS Insights: Ending workplace stigma linked to mental health
It’s well known that healthy and energised employees enhance business performance. Yet within many workplaces there still exists a great deal of stigma linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
To help us consider the problems and identify practical solutions, we were joined by Geoff McDonald, former Global VP of Human Resources for Unilever. A keynote speaker, business transformation advisor and campaigner, Geoff now uses his personal mental-health insights and his professional experience to help inspire business leaders to embrace mental-health issues and empower their organisations to make positive change.
April 2021
29 April - Ask ICAS: Supporting business through redundancies
Whether you’re part of a business considering the need to make redundancies or advising clients on options to restructure and reduce costs, this webinar will help you to understand the options. We’ll consider everything from the employment law implications to the support available to employers and employees throughout this difficult process.
28 April - CAs in Sport webinar, hosted by the Glasgow Area Network
CAs working in sport shared their story and how their CA qualification benefited them in their role in sport. Our speakers will also gave us insight into how their sport has managed through COVID-19, the learning they’ll bring with them moving forward and how the pandemic has impacted large-scale sporting events like the Olympics, Euros and Lions Tour.
22 April - Ask ICAS: Spring Tax Update - Part 1 - Taxation of individuals
In part one of this three-part update series, experts from the ICAS Tax Team provided a general tax update which covered individual taxes, including an overview, a reminder of what is changing and pointers on where to get further information.
15 April - ICAS/CIOT webinar: Building a better tax system
Experts from ICAS and CIOT were joined by a leading polling expert on awareness and understanding of devolved taxes in Scotland for a panel discussion on our priorities for the devolved tax system in the 2021-26 Scottish Parliament.
8 April - Ask ICAS: Funding business recovery and expansion
Our panel of experts discussed the availability and accessibility of different funding options to help businesses choose the most appropriate finance for them and their stakeholders.
March 2021
25 March - Building Resilience: The business case for doing good
In today’s world, the way in which companies use natural resources, employ their workforces, and position themselves in the face of critical societal issues will affect performance, access to capital, and long-term value creation. There isn’t just a moral imperative for businesses and organizations to behave responsibly, but a financial one. It makes business sense to do good. Finance and accounting professionals have a significant influence on companies, and are well-positioned to help businesses think not just about their profit but their whole value creation process. In this process, embedding sustainability issues into a company’s strategy, business model and risk and performance management will enable them to create more resilient organizations that also positively contribute to people and planet.
Join us to learn more about the business case for the sustainable development agenda, and hear from leaders who have innovated responsible business solutions, and contributed to a changing culture around positive impact.
25 March - Ask ICAS: A view from the Investigation Committee
We were joined by Ian Robertson CA, past-President and immediate past Convener of the Investigation Committee, and Robert Mudge, Director of Investigations, to explore key parts of the ICAS complaints system and discuss how to avoid common complaint areas.
23 March - ICAS Insights: Hidden disabilities in the workplace
Dyslexia is a condition that is estimated to occur in at least one in 10 people. We were joined by ICAS Council Member Emily Cheyne CA who shared her personal experiences with dyslexia, and by Dyslexia Routes founder Sharon Hall who explained the nuances and intricacies of the neurodiversity.
22 March - ICAS Insights: BEIS White Paper (Part one)
We were joined by Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Financial Reporting Council, to discuss the recently published BEIS white paper on Governance and Audit reform. Interviewed by Michelle Mullen, ICAS Executive Director of Standards, Sir Jon explored what the future holds in store for ARGA, and the prospective recalibration of the corporate ecosystem.
18 March - Ask ICAS: Off payroll working, employment taxes and law update
We were joined by Dawn Dickson, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, for a lively discussion on the latest Off Payroll Working and termination-payments highlights. We also provided an update on the key employment-related issues that came from the March UK Budget.
16 March - ICAS Insights: The USA post-election
We were joined by two policy experts to consider some of the changes that have already taken place since Joe Biden was elected. They guided us through his first 100 days, gave an overview of his key priorities and the administration personnel who will help to deliver them, outlined changes in Congress and explored the regulatory outlook and other developments of relevance.
8 March - ICAS Insights: International Women’s Day
We celebrated International Women’s Day 2021 with a panel of CA speakers from the education, fashion and sport sectors. They shared their career journeys, including the challenges they faced along the way.
4 March - Ask ICAS: CJRS / SEISS – what's next?
The Chancellor's Budget on 3 March contained further announcements about COVID-19 support for business. From the furlough extension to support for the self-employed, the Ask ICAS experts provided a detailed analysis of all the latest news and developments.
February 2021
25 February - Ask ICAS: Managing the costs of property taxes
The Ask ICAS team was joined by experts from Revenue Scotland for an in-depth look at all things related to property taxes. They discussed everything from notifiable lease changes to the new reporting requirements around Capital Gains Tax. Watch the recording to help ensure that you’re fully informed and managing your clients’ costs efficiently.
23 February - ICAS Insights: Top tips to strengthen your cyber security
18 February - Ask ICAS: Company climate change reporting and audit
In 2020 the FRC undertook a thematic review of climate-related considerations by boards, companies, auditors, professional bodies and investors.
For this webinar, Hannah Armitage from the Financial Reporting Lab of the FRC, and Julia Morris, a Senior Inspector in the FRC’s Audit Quality Review (AQR) team, joined ICAS’ Anne Adrain to present the findings of the review.
They also led a discussion around the expectations of the FRC in relation to climate considerations and what this means for ICAS and our Members.
9 February - ICAS Insights: The business of food and drink
Our business of food and drink webinar brought together leading CAs from the food and drink industry for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of the industry.
Following on from a recent CA magazine article, the future of food, the webinar, led by Editor Laurence Eastham, explored the future of the food and drink industry.
Our four expert CAs shed light on the impact that Brexit, climate change and COVID-19 will have on the industry.
4 February - Ask ICAS: MTD for Corporation Tax - what you need to know
Anyone within the charge to corporation tax, and their agents, needs to understand HMRC’s plans for making CT digital and should consider giving input to the current consultation (Making Tax Digital: Corporation Tax).
Members of the ICAS Tax Team outline the key proposals, the likely timeline and some possible impacts on businesses of all sizes and charities.
4 February - ATO Briefing: New CA syllabus update
Watch our webinar on the new CA syllabus. Our speakers take you through the latest updates on a variety of areas, including teaching, exams and transition from the old to our new syllabus.
The webinar also features an introduction to our new TPS subject, Risk and Technology, which will be run and assessed differently from the other TPS subjects.
January 2021
28 January - Ask ICAS: Why financial modelling has never been more important
Forecasting and financial modelling should be at the heart of business management. Whether it be to support business growth, funding applications or managing cash flow crisis. Financial modelling has perhaps never been more relevant than in todays business environment.
Join our experts to find out why financial modelling for clients is important to carry out now, pitfalls to avoid and some hints and tips to maximise value for clients.
26 January - Diversity in the accounting profession: What do ideas of inclusion lend to understanding success
Achieving diversity in the accountancy profession remains a challenge. At senior level in particular, the profession continues to be predominantly white and male. While the advantages of having a diverse workforce have become well known, there are barriers to cultural shift.
ICAS President Catherine Burnet CA, Regional Chair for KPMG in Scotland, is passionate about increasing diversity in the profession. During this virtual event Catherine delivers a keynote speech in which she talks about some of the diversity issues she has encountered during her career.
21 January - Ask ICAS: Update from Companies House
Companies House is a key organisation that accountants and businesses interact with and is set to play an increasingly important role according to Government plans.
This webinar provides an opportunity to hear directly from Companies House about key developments within Companies House services which affect the accountancy profession.
20 January - Career Conversations
Are you considering a career as a Chartered Accountant and want to learn more about the qualification and the doors it could open for you? Are you an ICAS Student looking ahead to your first steps as a CA? Or are you in your first few years post-qualification and considering how to progress?
If you are, then this webinar will help answer some of the questions you may have about a career as a CA.
14 January - Ask ICAS: 2021 – what you need to know
At the start of a new year, find out from the experts at ICAS some of the key issues and developments that members in practice and business need to be aware of in the year ahead.
12 January - ICAS Insights: How to lead like an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are often described as the lifeblood of the economy. They help shape the business landscape and generate new job opportunities, create new solutions to everyday problems and represent some of the most innovative individuals in the business landscape.
But there is much more to being an entrepreneur than starting your own business. Leading like an entrepreneur requires a blend of being able to recognise a fantastic idea, whether that’s your own or someone else’s, and having the drive to make that dream a reality.
Catch up on our webinar to learn how to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to you career, whether that is starting your own venture or using these skills to bring a great idea to life in your organisation.
March 2023
9 March - Pitfalls of Payroll, Why it's important to get it right the first time
Watch one of our Tax experts, Justine MSc FFTA AIPA Chartered MCIPD ChFCIPP, Head of Tax (Employment and devolved taxes), ICAS and Lora Murphy, Editor-in-Chief, PPPR Magazine, Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) discuss why ensuring correct and efficient payroll processing is essential for your practice and your client base.
This webinar will be of interest to, CAs working in practice, Tax professionals and agents processing payroll for clients.
Free CPD Partner webinars
In conjunction with our training partner BPP Professional Development, we also run a suite of free Professional Development webinars for Members and employers. These webinars provide the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share insights and discuss current trends. Browse our CPD Partners webinar page below to find out more about these events and to watch recordings of previous webinars: