CA magazine: June 2022
By Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communication
26 May 2022
Sustainability has reached the top of the business agenda, with the increasing adoption of reporting standardisation reimagining how firms approach the environment. In this month’s edition of CA magazine, we explore the theme of Finance + Sustainability and take a closer look at the crucial role finance professionals will play in helping society work towards a greener future.
A recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report reveals how public companies are leading private ones in the three key areas of sustainability: corporate social responsibility, and environmental and people sustainability. It calls for improved transparency from private companies, particularly in the area of ESG and EDI, to ensure real progress is made. This push to maintain momentum on sustainability in its widest sense is something we at ICAS are passionate about. Especially in light of more WEF findings, in its 2022 Global Risks Report, that the pandemic has increased the projected number of people in extreme poverty by 51 million, while billionaires have enjoyed unprecedented gains.
Socioeconomic diversity is key if we are to create a society that works for everyone and addresses urgent global challenges. The ICAS Foundation was set up a decade ago to provide support for less privileged accountancy and finance students through bursary funding, mentoring and help in finding internships and jobs. And 26 March 2022 was a proud moment for us all as its first graduates were admitted to ICAS membership, having completed their CA training contracts. It has been an extraordinary 10 years for the ICAS Foundation, supporting more than 280 talented young people at 14 universities, awarding more than £1.9m in bursaries and grants and engaging nearly 200 CAs as volunteer mentors. As past President Bruce Pritchard CA said at the Admissions Ceremony: “It is vital that our profession is welcoming and fully accessible, and we have a pipeline of diverse talent joining our business network.” If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
It’s a purpose that drives new ICAS President, Indy Hothi CA, as you can read in his interview. We welcome Indy and his fellow office bearers Clive Bellingham CA and Alison Cornwell CA – all three are passionate about sustainability and business as a force for good. They will also be playing an active part in this year’s CA Summit which will see speakers such as Dame Stephanie Shirley, Alastair Campbell and therapist Gin Lalli join us for three days of insightful talks and lively debate.
I hope you enjoy the issue.
Find out more at the Finance + Sustainability hub