Inside ICAS: Top talking points from July 2023
Your Office Bearer team review their top talking points from July.
Your Office Bearer team highlight some of the key ICAS initiatives and activities during July.
Clive’s top talking point
Nothing prepares you better for success in our hyper-connected, multicultural world than living and working abroad.
Clive Bellingham CA, ICAS President
“July sees the return of South Asian Heritage month. ICAS is once again joining in on the celebrations. With this year’s theme, ‘stories to tell’ in mind, I’m delighted that we’re sharing the inspiring stories of British South Asian CAs and their impact as leaders of a diverse accountancy profession. By engaging with the profession and sharing individuals’ stories, we create a more diverse profession and open the door for new connections.
“In a video I recorded to mark South Asian Heritage Month, I highlighted the importance of the annual celebration and reflected on the lessons I’ve learned about allyship by working within multi-cultural teams across the globe.
“I strongly believe nothing prepares you better for success in our hyper-connected, multicultural world than living and working abroad. And that’s one of the reasons the CA qualification is so valuable - it can really take you places.
“You can read more of my thoughts on working abroad in my President’s column in the July/August edition of CA magazine.”
Alison’s top talking point
I’m delighted to see ICAS urging for reform, stressing the need for greater public awareness.
Alison Cornwell CA, ICAS Deputy President
“Last week, ICAS and the Law Society of Scotland wrote a joint letter urging the Scottish Government’s new Tax Advisory Group to pursue a proactive reform agenda.
“I was delighted to see the letter stress the need for greater public awareness and accessible public information about how devolved taxes work and sit alongside UK taxes.
“In the joint letter, our two organisations highlighted the importance of adequate resourcing for Scotland’s Tax and Revenues Directorate, outlining its importance for ensuring the effectiveness of the tax system in Scotland and allowing for thorough tax policy reform and planning.”
“You can read more about why we’re urging proactive reform in the joint letter.”
Karen’s top talking point
We issue surveys to listen to your opinions twice a year, which all members receive. You let us know that technical resources are still one of the most important aspects of your membership.
Karen Scholes CA, ICAS Vice President
“Earlier this month we revealed feedback given to us in the latest ICAS member survey. We issue surveys to listen to your opinions twice a year, which all members receive.
“You let us know that technical resources are still one of the most important aspects of your membership. The ICAS Policy and Practice teams regularly produce a range of technical content, insight and thought leadership, from content on tax, audit, ethics, insolvency, sustainability and corporate reporting.
“You can find some of the technical resources and support available to you on our Professional Resources area, where we publish timely insights and responses to the latest industry events. You can also look out for these when they are highlighted on our website, in CA magazine and in our weekly newsletters.
“These kind of resources are essential for small and medium practices. I spoke about being a champion of small practitioners in the July/August edition of CA magazine. You can read more in my article.”
What else has got us talking...
- ICAS signed up to the Women in Finance Charter, pledging to support women into senior roles.
- ICAS and other members of the HMRC Charter Stakeholder Group raised significant concerns about HMRC service levels, as highlighted in the recently published annual Charter report.
- Celebrating South Asian Heritage month, ICAS shared Rahul Handa CA’s story and how his heritage has influenced his life and shaped his career.
- We invited members to join our new Black Members’ Network – a member-led community, open to both Black members and allies.
Let's keep talking
- Connect with Clive on LinkedIn.
- Connect with Alison on LinkedIn.
- Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.