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
5 December - White Oak: Money Talks – Securing Business Finance
Date: Tuesday 5 December 2023
Time: 11.00 until 11.45 GMT
Location: Online
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
What are your client’s options to support their growth? What can you access to protect your own business? What tips would help access funding?
Attending this 45-minute webinar will open new avenues for enhancing the financial advice you provide to your clients and equip them with the resources necessary to unlock their business potential in these challenging times.
Join experts Chris Money, Christian Elson and Derek Money as they share insights and strategies on successfully navigating the tricky terrain of business finance.
Here's what you can look forward to during this 45-minute session:
Broaden understanding of finance options
Effective strategies to secure funding
Real-life case studies demonstrating successful financial initiatives
Don't miss out on this opportunity brought to you through the strategic partnership between ICAS and White Oak, the commercial lending solution for ICAS members.
For a glimpse of what White Oak can offer, access the White Oak Introduce Brochure to view White Oak’s specialised lending portfolio aimed at supporting ICAS members and their SMEs and mid-corporate clients.
Who are the speakers?
- Host: Christian Elson, Head of Strategic Partnerships, White Oak
- Chris Money, Business Services Manager, McLay, McAlister & McGibbon
- Derek Money, Head of Sales, White Oak Glasgow
Who's this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
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.
5 and 7 December - ICAS Gold Club Lunches 2023
LONDON LUNCH
Date: Tuesday 5 December 2023
Location: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DR
Time: 12.00 until 14.30 GMT
Dress code: Smart
Cost: Free to attend
GLASGOW LUNCH
Date: Thursday 7 December 2023
Location: Radisson Hotel, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL
Time: 12.00 until 14.30 GMT
Dress code: Smart
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
ICAS invites our Gold Club members to join us at our exclusive annual Gold Club lunches.
The lunches will take place in two different locations. In London at the Caledonian Club on Tuesday 5 December, and in Glasgow at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 7 December, from 12.00 until 14.30 GMT.
The Gold Club honours ICAS members who have been qualified for 50 years plus, and this year the lunches will specifically celebrate the class of 1973.
Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President will be in attendance in Glasgow and Alison Cornwell CA, ICAS Deputy President in London along with Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS Chief Executive, to meet members and share the recent developments at ICAS.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new connections with fellow Gold Club members.
Hosts
- Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President (Glasgow)
- Alison Cornwell CA, ICAS Deputy President (London)
- Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS CEO (London)
Who’s this for?
- ICAS Gold Club members
Both events are now full. Please contact events@icas.com to request a place (subject to availability at the time of request).
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
6 December - Mazars: How the Lifetime Allowance and Death Benefit Taxation Changes Impact your Finances
Date: Wednesday 6 December 2023
Time: 11.30 until 12.15 GMT
Location: Online
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
The removal of the Lifetime Allowance has been billed as a change that will reduce taxation for large pension pots. A lesser-advertised side effect of the legislation is that pension death benefit taxation is also proposed to change, recouping some tax savings for those with large pensions.
Join our free 45 minute session where we will discuss the proposed changes and planning you need to be thinking of before and after 5 April 2024.
Who's this for?
- ICAS members
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.
7 December – Highlands Members: Drinks and Curry Evening
Date: Thursday 7 December 2023
Time: 18.00 until 21.00 GMT
Location:
Kingsmills Hotel, Culcabock Rd, Inverness IV2 3LP
Cinnamon Restaurant, 1B Millburn Rd, Inverness, IV2 3PX
Dress Code: Smart casual
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
The ICAS Highlands Area Network is delighted to invite ICAS students and members to an informal evening of drinks and dining. The evening will begin with a drinks reception at The Kingsmills Hotel, followed by a meal (optional) at the Cinnamon Restaurant, which specialises in authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine.
Don't miss this great opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new connections with local CAs.
Please note that places are limited, so we encourage you to secure your place by registering below.
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
11 December - Canapés and Conversation With Sydney Harbour Views
Date: Monday 11 December 2023
Location: The Glenmore Hotel, 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Time: 18.00 until 20.00 AEDT
Dress code: Smart casual
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
Join us for a casual evening of drinks, canapés and networking with fellow ICAS members. This in-person event is a chance to meet with like-minded individuals and grow your network whilst enjoying rooftop harbour views at the iconic Sydney venue, The Glenmore at The Rocks.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and meet fellow CAs.
Who's this for?
- ICAS members
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
12 December - Autumn Tax Update
Date: Tuesday 12 December 2023
Time: 11.00 until 12.00 GMT
Location: Online
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
Join ICAS tax experts as they give a comprehensive overview of recent tax developments, including key insights from the Autumn Statement on 22 November, and the latest updates on Making Tax Digital (MTD). Our tax specialists will also delve into topics raised with HMRC on behalf of members, including ongoing concerns with HMRC systems and service levels. There will be an opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback during a live Q&A session.
Key themes and topics
- Personal taxes, corporate taxes, VAT and tax administration
- Latest developments in MTD
- Key tax announcements in the Autumn Statement
Who are the 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, ICAS Director of Practice
- ICAS Tax Team
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
- 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.
21 February - Channel Your Inner Coco Chanel with ICAS
Date: Wednesday 21 February 2024
Time: 19.00 until 21.30 GMT
Location: Exhibition Road entrance, V&A South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL
Dress code: Smart casual
Cost: Free to attend
Event summary
Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening with a private viewing of the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition.
We are delighted to offer ICAS members and students the chance to experience the first UK exhibition showcasing the work of the iconic French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel and the evolution of the House of Chanel, with over 200 of her most recognisable pieces being brought together for the first time.
This is an ideal opportunity to make new connections and catch up with fellow CAs, while learning more about Gabrielle Chanel and her renowned design philosophy which has continued to shape women’s fashion today.
This event has limited places available based on a first come first served basis, sign-up now to secure your spot. Please note that your ICAS member number is required for registration of this event.
Host & speakers
- Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President (Host)
Who’s this for?
- ICAS members
- ICAS students
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
13 April – 2024 Admission Ceremony, in association with Rutherford Cross
Date: Saturday 13 April 2024
Time: 9.30 (for 10.30 ceremony start), concluding at 12.30 with a drinks reception until 14.00.
Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
Event summary
Celebrate your admission to professional membership and discover how we can support you as you embark on the next step of your career at the 2024 Admission Ceremony.
The showcase event, held in partnership with Rutherford Cross, will acknowledge your success in joining the ICAS global community and honour the outstanding achievement that is qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
The ceremony will be followed by warm wishes from ICAS President, Clive Bellingham CA, and ICAS Chief Executive, Bruce Cartwright CA, plus some inspirational words from our keynote speaker.
We’ll close the celebrations with a complimentary drinks reception, courtesy of Rutherford Cross, where you can enjoy celebrating with your guests and make new connections.
Who are the speakers?
- Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President
- Bruce Cartwright, ICAS Chief Executive
Who’s this for?
- Newly qualified CAs (admitted between the end of March 2023 and March 2024)
Registration will close on Friday 22 March 2024.
By signing up to an ICAS event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Past webinars
November 2023
16 November - Cybersecurity for the accountancy profession: Understanding the risk before implementing a solution
In partnership with Mitigo, we are particularly keen to support firms to build resilience against cyber-attacks. This free 1-hour webinar provides some key takeaways to help your firm manage risk and stay safe.
9 November – Materiality Perspectives
Watch our Materiality Perspectives webinar chaired by James Barbour, Director - Policy Leadership at ICAS, which covers both an ICAS research report and an FRC Lab report on the topic of materiality.
7 November – Ethical leadership: Will GenAI and other technological developments disrupt the ethical landscape?
Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of all we do at ICAS. CAs are faced with decisions and choices of an ethical nature and each year you pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards. But will the choices and decisions you make change with the impact of new technological developments such as GenAI and robotics?
During this webinar you will hear the real-life experiences of leading CAs in dealing with ethical dilemmas and choices
October 2023
26 October - Research and development tax relief: A technical update
Find out about the latest developments in research and development tax relief in our joint webinar with our partners Markel Tax. We share more about the new compliance requirements and recent and upcoming changes to the scope of the relief.
12 October - Bridge the compliance gap in your firm: How to create engagement letters that go beyond risk management
Join OverSuite’s Accountant Evangelist, Sean Smith, to learn how you can mitigate risk and streamline your engagement letter process. An engagement letter shouldn’t be something you issue for the sake of it, but instead a tool used to set clear responsibilities and manage expectations with your clients.
September 2023
28 September - Will Farnell: From KYC to RKYC and how to build a scalable accounting firm
Watch our webinar on how to build a scalable accounting firm as Will Farnell, author of ‘The Digital Firm’ and most recently ‘The Human Firm’, considers the many pain points that firms hit when growing their practice and explains how a firm can design its infrastructure to accommodate and anticipate growth.
19 & 20 September - ICAS Insolvency & Restructuring Conference 2023 sponsored by Sweeney Kincaid
Chaired by Shona Campbell CA, Partner at Henderson Loggie and chair of the ICAS Insolvency Committee, this year’s conference once again had a strong technical focus with a series of sessions of practical relevance to the day-to-day work of individuals in the insolvency and restructuring community.
You can look forward to key legislative and regulatory updates, plus expert analysis and commentary on the latest issues – all delivered by the leading lights of the profession and aimed at boosting your professional development.
21 September - Basis period reform: An update
In this webinar, we consider the impact of basis period reform and explore some of the practical issues to be thinking about when discussing with your clients who may be affected.
13 September - Talking charity: What's new in financial reporting
Watch our Talking Charity Webinar, hosted by Charities Panel Chair, Keith Macpherson, and RSM's Head of Non-for-Profit in Scotland, Kelly Adams, as we take a look at what's new in charity financial reporting and key sector developments. This webinar provides the opportunity to hear about the latest developments in charity financial reporting in advance of anticipated changes to FRS 102 and the Charities SORP. The webinar also explores how recent key changes to auditing standards are impacting on the work of charity auditors and provides insights into how charities can conduct a successful audit tendering exercise.
12 September - Advising on Net Zero for clients - the opportunities and the threats
Watch our Achieving Net Zero webinar as we take a look at ICAS’ journey towards Net Zero. Fiona Donnelly, Director of Sustainability, ICAS, was joined by Tony Greenham, ESG Director, British Business Bank and Craig Anderson, Facilities Manager, ICAS, and discussed the basics of net zero and carbon accounting, the broader consideration of environmental, social and governance factors in business decision, why SMEs should take action, what they can do and how the British Business Bank is involved. There was also an opportunity to ask any burning questions during a Q&A session.
6 September - Ethical governance: dilemmas and trade-offs?
Co-hosted by EY, the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), this virtual event is about the vital importance of business leadership, with a focus on boards, addressing the major ethical issues of today and tomorrow, including sustainability.
August 2023
17 August - Employment Law and Taxes Update
Join our essential roundup of the latest employment law issues and employment tax matters.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to develop your knowledge.
Watch the recording
1 August - On demand webinar: Insolvency monitoring findings 2021-2022
Hear Steven Wood, Practice Support Specialist (insolvency) at ICAS, provide an overview of the findings from ICAS insolvency monitoring visits conducted within this two-year period. Knowing the details behind the findings will equip you with a well-rounded view of monitoring visits, the common regulatory pitfalls, and allow you to help ensure your firm remains compliant.
Watch the recording
June 2023
15 June - Resilience Under Pressure
This topical webinar highlighted findings from the last ethical survey of the profession conducted by the CCAB, and featured contributions from senior Council members and ethics specialists from each of the five accountancy bodies that make up the CCAB. There were also contributions from senior accountants in business, academia and the Institute of Business Ethics. Topics covered include “ethics as a competency”; “ethical decision making”; “ethical culture within organisations”; and the challenges of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability. There is also a presentation on “speaking up” and a Q&A session with representatives of member bodies and the CCAB Ethics Group.
13 June - Dealing with HMRC enquiries – a practical session
In this webinar, our experts highlighted the practical issues that you and/or your clients need to be aware of and how to ensure that you can be fully prepared for an enquiry, should one be opened by HMRC. They outlined HMRC’s information and inspection powers, the Alternative Dispute Resolution process and topical issues that are currently arising in HMRC enquiries. Our experts also covered the steps you could take to reduce the perceived risk of an enquiry, as well as outlined the benefits of Tax Fee Protection Insurance so that your clients can be covered for the professional fees in dealing with a dispute with HMRC.
8 June - How we’ll achieve our ambitious vision for ICAS’ future
ICAS’ team of Executive Directors were joined by Deputy President, Alison Cornwell CA, to delve into the ambitions of ‘ICAS 2030: Together, we will…’. They shared insight into our enhanced CA syllabus and approach to learning, how we’re empowering the profession to lead on key sustainability issues, and our focus on upholding trust and ethics by acting in the public interest and demanding the highest standards of those we regulate.
May 2023
26 May - Employee benefits: Company cars and salary sacrifice
In this pre-recorded webinar, in conjunction with our partner Pike + Bambridge, you can gain a comprehensive understanding on the merits of salary sacrifice, so that you can assist your clients as they make the move to electric vehicles. This session will explain how salary sacrifice could work as a tax planning tool for your/your client’s employees, as well as gain an awareness of pitfalls to avoid when adopting a salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles and an understanding of practical issues your clients need to be aware of before moving to electric vehicles.
25 May - Talking charity: Sustainability and impact reporting
Watch ICAS and RSM for our joint webinar, hosted by Kelly Adams, Partner, at RSM UK, on sustainability and impact reporting from a charity sector perspective.
This webinar provided the opportunity to hear the latest on how charities are communicating their engagement with sustainability matters and looking at where they sit with sustainability reporting, while sharing practical examples of easy wins for small charities, as well as best practice sustainability reporting for larger charities.
17 May - Research and Development tax relief – a technical update
In this pre-recorded webinar in conjunction with our partners Markel Tax, you can find out about the latest developments in Research and Development tax relief, including the changing landscape and risks, how to spot those risks, and the importance of a technical report to support claims.
11 May - Spring Tax update: Part three - general taxes update
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.
11 May - HMRC’s temporary Customer Compliance Manager: On demand content
HMRC is trialling a new service aimed at helping mid-sized businesses called the temporary Customer Compliance Manager (or tCCM) model. Find out about how this could help you and/or your clients when dealing with tax issues with HMRC in our ICAS pre-recorded webinar with the HMRC Mid-sized Business team.
April 2023
23 April - ICAS special summit on sustainability reporting
We round up the key lessons for business, CAs, standards setters and government from our recent ICAS sustainability summit, and share expert insight on the future of sustainability reporting.
18 April - Spring Tax update: Part two - Taxation of Owner Managed Businesses
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.
You will also get the chance to hear about topical issues where the ICAS Tax team have represented members’ interests to the authorities.
11 April - Spring Tax update: Part one - employment taxes update
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, present an update on the policy and practice landscape.
March 2023
30 March - VAT update
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 reflect on VAT’s evolution since its inception fifty years ago and what the future holds for tax and VAT. They 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 are also covered during this online event.
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.
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.
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: