Inside ICAS: Top talking points from February 2023
Your Office Bearer team review their top talking points from February, including leading with empathy and getting involved in opportunities to support our CA community.
ICAS President Indy Singh Hothi CA joins Deputy President Clive Bellingham CA and Vice President Alison Cornwell CA to highlight some of the key ICAS initiatives and activities discussed during February.
Indy’s top talking point
Think about those who have lost everything and support them in any way you can.
Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President
"On February 6, Southeast Turkey and Northwest Syria experienced a powerful earthquake, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
On behalf of ICAS, Bruce Cartwright CA got in touch with members based in the affected areas.
Images of entire communities being torn apart imprint deeply on our minds, and we are all shocked and saddened by what we have witnessed. The death toll is estimated to be over 42,000, and at least 2.4 million people have been displaced. This is a humanitarian crisis of an unprecedented scale.
I have been touched by the tremendous work of the volunteers, some of whom have worked hard to deliver essentials, such as hot food to those affected and give them a small glimpse of normality during this difficult time. As a CA, I believe that we can take away an important key lesson from the work of the volunteers. To lead with empathy and take action in supporting those whose lives have been turned upside down by this earthquake. I’m calling on you and our CA community to support the rescue efforts of the teams working tirelessly to help others and deal with the devastating aftermath of this major earthquake. If you or your organisation can donate in any way, I strongly urge you to do so.”
Clive’s top talking point
Supporting others is at the heart of what CAs do. I hope that you can join us in supporting and celebrating newly qualified CAs at our 2023 Admission Ceremony.
Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS Deputy President
"Following on from Indy’s heartfelt message on championing support wherever we can, in reflecting on recent disastrous events, it has been a year since the war in Ukraine began. As with the earthquake disaster, the war in Ukraine has affected many lives and continues to do so. To support CAs in Ukraine we launched the Ukraine crisis resource hub, to keep you updated on the latest information on current sanctions and professional obligations, as well as the support and guidance available. Please visit the resource hub for support or share with others that may find it helpful.
I’d like to share details of the ICAS Council elections 2023. Here is an opportunity for ICAS members to shape the future of our profession by joining the ICAS Council.
Taking up a role on our Council is a great way to get involved with ICAS, helping to oversee its effective management and strategic direction. This year there are five vacancies open for your nominations. You can find out more about the roles and how to apply on our website.
To celebrate our newly qualified CAs, I’m delighted to announce details of our 2023 Admission Ceremony. This event acknowledges the success of newly admitted members joining the ICAS global community and honour the outstanding achievement that is qualifying as a chartered accountant.
This year’s Admission Ceremony is specifically for members admitted between the end of March 2022 and March 2023. The ceremony will be followed by warm wishes from ICAS President, Indy Singh Hothi CA and ICAS CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA. Attendees will also discover how ICAS will provide them with support as they embark on the next step of their careers.
Join us in central Edinburgh on Saturday 25 March for this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of fellow CAs.”
You can read full details on our Admission Ceremony event and register your place by 10 March on our website.
Alison’s top talking point
Let’s advocate for positive change and support the next generation of CAs.
Alison Cornwell CA, ICAS Vice President
“In the theme of showing support, I’d like to draw your attention to a letter from our Chief Executive, Bruce Cartwright CA, to the new Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP.
Within this letter, Bruce emphasises our long-standing history of advocating for an ethical and robust finance and accountancy sector.
Bruce states: “We, therefore, feel that there are two important matters which you need to address urgently: audit and corporate governance reform and sustainability in financial reporting.”
Personally, I feel inspired and reassured to know that the world’s first accountancy body is taking active steps in highlighting areas needing immediate attention. It shows that care and thought are being given to future generations and reinforces the essential role that CAs have in upholding the highest standards in finance and business.
You can read the full letter to the new Secretary of State for Business and Trade on our website.
In November 2022 we undertook one of our regular surveys of member views. Your opinions matter to us. Take a minute to read about what we’re doing in response to your feedback."
Read the full details on our website.
Let's keep talking
- You can connect with Indy Singh Hothi CA, ICAS President on LinkedIn.
- You can connect with Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS Deputy President on LinkedIn.
- You can connect with Alison Cornwell CA, ICAS Vice President on LinkedIn.