The CA
safety net
While most members enjoy rewarding careers, there are always circumstances where life hits you for six. At such times, ICAS Cares is there to help, says Charity Manager Kirsty Gray CA
The CA
safety net
While most members enjoy rewarding careers, there are always circumstances where life hits you for six. At such times, ICAS Cares is there to help, says Charity Manager Kirsty Gray CA
Ever since it was established in 1919, ICAS Cares has been helping CAs cope with life’s many challenges. I joined as Charity Manager five years ago, having spent the best part of 20 years working in charities, either as an FD or an adviser. I thought this would be a great opportunity to apply what I’d learnt in the third sector to help fellow CAs.
When I took on the role, when it was called the Scottish Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association (or SCABA for short), I remember friends saying to me, “CAs getting benevolence? Surely they don’t find themselves in difficulty?”
But we’re all human and personal circumstances can change in an instant. A child or a partner becomes seriously ill. Work becomes unmanageable. You experience burnout. Perhaps the issue relates to money, and a CA may feel there is a certain stigma to having to ask for financial help. So they don’t talk about it, and suffer in silence while the letters pile up and the debts accrue interest.
We are one of two ICAS charities, the other being the ICAS Foundation. The foundation will – quite rightly – shout from the rooftops about the achievements of their students. The work we do, in contrast, often relates to things that happen behind closed doors.
Who benefits?
Historically, we’ve had two groups of beneficiaries. One would be a CA, or their partner, who we would support financially. They tend to be elderly, and perhaps a widow, or widower, of a former member. Then there are the members who have experienced a life-changing moment. We look to see how we can support them.
One of the challenges we face is finding those cases where a CA, or an immediate family member, is struggling for whatever reason, and reassuring them that we’re here to help – and with full confidentiality.
“Having somebody who knows the social care system inside out, and what the follow-up questions should be, is invaluable”
But we also have a lot of cases that don’t involve any financial allocation. So, for example, we had a retired member come to us last year. Sadly, his wife had been diagnosed with dementia and they were trying to navigate their way through the social care system to access the right services. Averil Douglas, our Outreach Coordinator, was able to advise them and attend meetings to advocate on their behalf.
Many people know the first question to ask when speaking to social care services, but not what comes next. So having somebody who knows the system inside out, and what the follow-up questions should be, is invaluable.
As a CA myself, I feel that when you qualify you join this huge professional family. Although I am retiring from the role shortly, it has been a privilege to work for ICAS Cares for the past five years, being closely involved with an organisation that is allied to our professional body – one that is always there for its members.
But we would be nothing without the donations we receive from those members – and we are extremely grateful to each and every donor.
Last year, ICAS Cares awarded £52,000 in grants in total, which included one-off awards for a disability aid and therapy, study and exam fees, career counselling, household goods, play equipment, hospital transport support and rent payments.
Below are testimonials from two members ICAS Cares has been able to help in their time of need.
Ever since it was established in 1919, ICAS Cares has been helping CAs cope with life’s many challenges. I joined as Charity Manager five years ago, having spent the best part of 20 years working in charities, either as an FD or an adviser. I thought this would be a great opportunity to apply what I’d learnt in the third sector to help fellow CAs.
When I took on the role, when it was called the Scottish Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association (or SCABA for short), I remember friends saying to me, “CAs getting benevolence? Surely they don’t find themselves in difficulty?”
But we’re all human and personal circumstances can change in an instant. A child or a partner becomes seriously ill. Work becomes unmanageable. You experience burnout. Perhaps the issue relates to money, and a CA may feel there is a certain stigma to having to ask for financial help. So they don’t talk about it, and suffer in silence while the letters pile up and the debts accrue interest.
We are one of two ICAS charities, the other being the ICAS Foundation. The foundation will – quite rightly – shout from the rooftops about the achievements of their students. The work we do, in contrast, often relates to things that happen behind closed doors.
Who benefits?
Historically, we’ve had two groups of beneficiaries. One would be a CA, or their partner, who we would support financially. They tend to be elderly, and perhaps a widow, or widower, of a former member. Then there are the members who have experienced a life-changing moment. We look to see how we can support them.
One of the challenges we face is finding those cases where a CA, or an immediate family member, is struggling for whatever reason, and reassuring them that we’re here to help – and with full confidentiality.
“Having somebody who knows the social care system inside out, and what the follow-up questions should be, is invaluable”
But we also have a lot of cases that don’t involve any financial allocation. So, for example, we had a retired member come to us last year. Sadly, his wife had been diagnosed with dementia and they were trying to navigate their way through the social care system to access the right services. Averil Douglas, our Outreach Coordinator, was able to advise them and attend meetings to advocate on their behalf.
Many people know the first question to ask when speaking to social care services, but not what comes next. So having somebody who knows the system inside out, and what the follow-up questions should be, is invaluable.
As a CA myself, I feel that when you qualify you join this huge professional family. Although I am retiring from the role shortly, it has been a privilege to work for ICAS Cares for the past five years, being closely involved with an organisation that is allied to our professional body – one that is always there for its members.
But we would be nothing without the donations we receive from those members – and we are extremely grateful to each and every donor.
Last year, ICAS Cares awarded £52,000 in grants in total, which included one-off awards for a disability aid and therapy, study and exam fees, career counselling, household goods, play equipment, hospital transport support and rent payments.
Below are testimonials from two members ICAS Cares has been able to help in their time of need.
Helping hand
Unemployed member seeking return to workplace
“I approached ICAS Cares after leaving my previous role due to various issues. Reaching out wasn’t easy, but from the outset I felt treated with care and without judgement.
“ICAS Cares arranged a job coach for me and access to an online employment support platform. The coach brought both clarity and encouragement. Structured conversations about applications, direction and confidence helped me regain focus and momentum. They also funded my gym membership. And via the ICAS Wellbeing platform I was provided with a series of counselling sessions, which continued even after I gained employment.
“The regular check-ins meant I never felt alone during that time. I remain extremely grateful for the practical and personal support ICAS Cares provided when I needed it most.“
Member whose son has physical and cognitive issues
“During the birth of our son, we had problems which led to lifelong issues for our child. ICAS Cares supported us through this difficult time, giving us a six-month grant which allowed us to spend time with our baby and learn about his needs.
“A few years later, he required specialist supportive seating, and once again ICAS Cares helped towards the costs. We also made the decision to try specialist therapy, first in the US, then in the UK when it became available, which the charity helped finance. It has made a huge difference to our son and has improved so many aspects of his daily life.”
Learn more about the work of ICAS Cares and donate here
Helping hand
Unemployed member seeking return to workplace
“I approached ICAS Cares after leaving my previous role due to various issues. Reaching out wasn’t easy, but from the outset I felt treated with care and without judgement.
“ICAS Cares arranged a job coach for me and access to an online employment support platform. The coach brought both clarity and encouragement. Structured conversations about applications, direction and confidence helped me regain focus and momentum. They also funded my gym membership. And via the ICAS Wellbeing platform I was provided with a series of counselling sessions, which continued even after I gained employment.
“The regular check-ins meant I never felt alone during that time. I remain extremely grateful for the practical and personal support ICAS Cares provided when I needed it most.“
Member whose son has physical and cognitive issues
“During the birth of our son, we had problems which led to lifelong issues for our child. ICAS Cares supported us through this difficult time, giving us a six-month grant which allowed us to spend time with our baby and learn about his needs.
“A few years later, he required specialist supportive seating, and once again ICAS Cares helped towards the costs. We also made the decision to try specialist therapy, first in the US, then in the UK when it became available, which the charity helped finance. It has made a huge difference to our son and has improved so many aspects of his daily life.”
Learn more about the work of ICAS Cares and donate here
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