CCAB publishes ethical dilemmas case studies
Find out more about the CCAB’s ethical dilemmas case studies
In July and August 2021, the CCAB carried out a snapshot survey of accountants working across all sectors to take the ethical temperature of the profession. The findings were subsequently published in December 2021.
The survey found that more than a quarter of professional accountants (27%) said they have been put under pressure or felt under pressure to act in an unethical way over the past three years. Many respondents said this pressure had had a detrimental impact on their mental health, triggering episodes of anxiety, depression and stress.
CCAB ethical dilemmas case studies
The CCAB has since published a series of ethical dilemmas case studies (updated from previous editions), which illustrate how the Codes of Ethics of the CCAB bodies can be applied by:
- Professional Accountants in Business;
- Professional Accountants working in the Not-for-Profit Sector;
- Professional Accountants in the Public Sector;
- Professional Accountants in Public Practice;
- Professional Accountants Working as Non-Executive Directors.
Each publication provides a number of scenarios. These scenarios are not intended to cover every possible circumstance, but instead outline key principles and processes that could be considered when attempting to identify, evaluate and address ethical threats in line with the professional body’s Code of Ethics.
Finance + Trust
Trust and ethics are at the forefront of accountancy, that is why ICAS decided to kick off our 2022 Finance+ insight series with a focus on the theme of Finance + Trust.
Throughout the month of February, we are bringing you thought leadership, insight and practical guidance around the theme of trust and ethics in our profession and beyond, starting with coverage on ethics in our flagship CA magazine and our newly launched Ethics Buddy Service.
Explore more about Finance + Trust
ICAS ethics resources
As part of its commitment to provide resources and support for members on ethics, ICAS also has a series of case studies to help bring ethical problems to life:
- Speak up? Listen up? Whistleblow? In their own words – Insights into the ethical dilemmas of ICAS Members (2019)
- Shades of Grey - Directors’ Dilemmas (2016)
- Shades of Grey (2009): 19 case studies
- What do you do now? Ethical Issues Encountered by Chartered Accountants (2008): 28 case studies
In addition, ICAS has publications, guidance and resources as part of The Power of One initiative, which are all available on icas.com, including its series of publications on ethical leadership:
- Ethics -The Power of One
- The Power of One – Personal responsibility and ethical leadership
- The Power of One – Moral Courage
- The Power of One – Personal Reputation
- The Power of One – Organisational culture and values
- The Power of One – The CA and the organisation
- The Ethical Journey – The Right, the Good and the Virtuous
- Organisational culture: The importance of listening
ICAS also offers the following:
- Guidance on conflict of interest;
- An ethical decision making framework;
- Ethics videos;
- Ethics research.
The ICAS Ethics Helpline Service provides guidance if support is required when ethical issues arise in practice. ICAS is also partnered with whistleblowing charity Protect to provide Members and CA Student Members with access to an independent, confidential helpline - this service offers free advice regarding whistleblowing and speaking up.
The ICAS Ethics Buddy Service enables CAs with an ethical dilemma, where deemed appropriate, to have confidential, informal, discussions with an experienced ICAS Member. This is a supplement to the ICAS Ethics Helpline Service and access to Protect.
Compulsory ethics CPD
From 1 January 2021, compulsory ethics CPD was introduced for all ICAS Members. This does not involve compulsory attendance at courses or the purchase of material – it could simply mean some reading of ethics-related material available online. In addition to ICAS’ own ethics resources as noted above, other websites, including the CCAB, provide useful sources of information.