FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
FOR THE RECORD
Member information and updates from ICAS
New President to champion social mobility
David Cruickshank CA has been appointed as the new President of ICAS, with social mobility in the accountancy profession and amplifying ICAS’ voice in business placed firmly at the heart of his presidential agenda.
David was formally confirmed as President for 2026/27 at the AGM in April, succeeding Karen Scholes CA. He brings extensive leadership experience following 40 years at Deloitte, where he led the UK tax practice for eight years, followed by eight years as UK Chairman and four years as Global Chairman.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “Improving social mobility in the accountancy profession is central to my agenda. You can’t be what you can’t see, and I’m determined to help more young people from all backgrounds see what it means to be a CA. A more diverse profession is a stronger one, which is why we must do more to promote accountancy to talented young people who may not yet see it as an option.
“ICAS has a strong and influential voice, underpinned by huge amounts of research highly relevant to a business environment that is evolving faster than it has for decades. I want to promote this work on behalf of our members, using it to inform, and hopefully improve, outcomes.”
Supporting David during his term are Jonny Jacobs CA MBE as Deputy President, and Professor Elizabeth Gammie CA as the newly appointed Vice President.
Jonny said: “Being appointed ICAS Deputy President holds both personal and professional significance for me. Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, the journey hasn’t always been easy. This role offers a unique platform to help shape the future of our profession, by collaborating with fellow finance leaders to drive meaningful change.”
Elizabeth said: “At a time when accountancy faces many challenges, we must lead by example and continue to evolve. In doing so, we will retain our position as one of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies and ensure that the skills of the CA are pertinent and effective for decades to come.”
Elections were also held for Council and various area network seats. The Council open seat was won by Stuart McCallum CA and the Scotland East seat was won by Shona Campbell CA. Following uncontested elections, Lucas Alexander-Crichton CA will sit for Scotland North, and David Aylward CA and Reysha Shah CA for the England, Wales and Northern Ireland area.
Read a full breakdown of the AGM results here
New President to champion social mobility
David Cruickshank CA has been appointed as the new President of ICAS, with social mobility in the accountancy profession and amplifying ICAS’ voice in business placed firmly at the heart of his presidential agenda.
David was formally confirmed as President for 2026/27 at the AGM in April, succeeding Karen Scholes CA. He brings extensive leadership experience following 40 years at Deloitte, where he led the UK tax practice for eight years, followed by eight years as UK Chairman and four years as Global Chairman.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “Improving social mobility in the accountancy profession is central to my agenda. You can’t be what you can’t see, and I’m determined to help more young people from all backgrounds see what it means to be a CA. A more diverse profession is a stronger one, which is why we must do more to promote accountancy to talented young people who may not yet see it as an option.
“ICAS has a strong and influential voice, underpinned by huge amounts of research highly relevant to a business environment that is evolving faster than it has for decades. I want to promote this work on behalf of our members, using it to inform, and hopefully improve, outcomes.”
Supporting David during his term are Jonny Jacobs CA MBE as Deputy President, and Professor Elizabeth Gammie CA as the newly appointed Vice President.
Jonny said: “Being appointed ICAS Deputy President holds both personal and professional significance for me. Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, the journey hasn’t always been easy. This role offers a unique platform to help shape the future of our profession, by collaborating with fellow finance leaders to drive meaningful change.”
Elizabeth said: “At a time when accountancy faces many challenges, we must lead by example and continue to evolve. In doing so, we will retain our position as one of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies and ensure that the skills of the CA are pertinent and effective for decades to come.”
Elections were also held for Council and various area network seats. The Council open seat was won by Stuart McCallum CA and the Scotland East seat was won by Shona Campbell CA. Following uncontested elections, Lucas Alexander-Crichton CA will sit for Scotland North, and David Aylward CA and Reysha Shah CA for the England, Wales and Northern Ireland area.
Read a full breakdown of the AGM results here
Born to run
Sunday 26 April saw the culmination of a year of preparation, as outgoing ICAS President Karen Scholes CA and Foundation Alumni Ambassador Dean Scobie CA completed the London Marathon in support of the ICAS Foundation.
So far, they have raised over £28,000 towards their £35,000 target, an amazing sum which will directly support ambitious young people from low-income backgrounds who are currently completing applications to join the charity’s Nurturing Talent programme this summer. Around 50 students will join the programme in September, and every place is funded thanks to the donations made to the charity by individuals and businesses across the profession.
ICAS Foundation Managing Director Sanjay Singh said: “This is an astonishing achievement, and I pay tribute to Karen and Dean for their commitment to our mission to create a stronger, more diverse future for the profession by opening doors for talented young people from low-income backgrounds to flourish in accountancy and finance careers.
“Karen and Dean have spent months training and preparing for Sunday’s race, showing the grit and determination that so many of our students show to overcome barriers and reach their goals. Hundreds of people have supported their efforts with donations, and I want to thank each and every one – from firms to family members, and from across the world. Your donations will directly support the next generation of talent we welcome to our programme this summer.”
Experienced runner Dean, who crossed the line in a time of 4h 17m, said: “Completing the marathon was a huge challenge – far harder than I expected – but it’s been an amazing day. I’d like to thank everyone who has backed me and supported the ICAS Foundation.”
Karen, who was running her first marathon, achieved a time of 6h 21m. She said, “It feels amazing to complete the London Marathon, a special day that I will never forget. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me by donating to the foundation and by sending such lovely words of encouragement.”
It’s not too late to sponsor Karen, Dean or both
Born to run
Sunday 26 April saw the culmination of a year of preparation, as outgoing ICAS President Karen Scholes CA and Foundation Alumni Ambassador Dean Scobie CA completed the London Marathon in support of the ICAS Foundation.
So far, they have raised over £28,000 towards their £35,000 target, an amazing sum which will directly support ambitious young people from low-income backgrounds who are currently completing applications to join the charity’s Nurturing Talent programme this summer. Around 50 students will join the programme in September, and every place is funded thanks to the donations made to the charity by individuals and businesses across the profession.
ICAS Foundation Managing Director Sanjay Singh said: “This is an astonishing achievement, and I pay tribute to Karen and Dean for their commitment to our mission to create a stronger, more diverse future for the profession by opening doors for talented young people from low-income backgrounds to flourish in accountancy and finance careers.
“Karen and Dean have spent months training and preparing for Sunday’s race, showing the grit and determination that so many of our students show to overcome barriers and reach their goals. Hundreds of people have supported their efforts with donations, and I want to thank each and every one – from firms to family members, and from across the world. Your donations will directly support the next generation of talent we welcome to our programme this summer.”
Experienced runner Dean, who crossed the line in a time of 4h 17m, said: “Completing the marathon was a huge challenge – far harder than I expected – but it’s been an amazing day. I’d like to thank everyone who has backed me and supported the ICAS Foundation.”
Karen, who was running her first marathon, achieved a time of 6h 21m. She said, “It feels amazing to complete the London Marathon, a special day that I will never forget. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me by donating to the foundation and by sending such lovely words of encouragement.”
It’s not too late to sponsor Karen, Dean or both
ICAS Code of Ethics revisions
ICAS will bring in a revised Code of Ethics with effect from 1 July 2026 to incorporate International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) revisions relating to tax planning and related services. The Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT) has also been revised in light of the IESBA changes. Further information in relation to the changes to the PCRT is provided here.
The new IESBA provisions have been incorporated into the 2026 ICAS Code of Ethics. Two new sections have been added covering tax planning for professional accountants in business and public practice.
ICAS is adding new guidance on professional behaviour to help members better understand why ethical conduct matters. This new paragraph says: “A reasonable and informed third party would expect that a professional accountant, in their professional life, treats others fairly, with respect and dignity and, for example, does not bully, harass, victimise, or unfairly discriminate against others.”
Read this story in full
ICAS Code of Ethics revisions
ICAS will bring in a revised Code of Ethics with effect from 1 July 2026 to incorporate International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) revisions relating to tax planning and related services. The Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT) has also been revised in light of the IESBA changes. Further information in relation to the changes to the PCRT is provided here.
The new IESBA provisions have been incorporated into the 2026 ICAS Code of Ethics. Two new sections have been added covering tax planning for professional accountants in business and public practice.
ICAS is adding new guidance on professional behaviour to help members better understand why ethical conduct matters. This new paragraph says: “A reasonable and informed third party would expect that a professional accountant, in their professional life, treats others fairly, with respect and dignity and, for example, does not bully, harass, victimise, or unfairly discriminate against others.”
Read this story in full
Elevate your expertise with Croner Navigate Tax
Unlock specialist support with Croner Navigate Tax. Partnering with us provides a dedicated panel of tax and VAT consultants for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. As an ICAS member, you gain exclusive access to high-level consultancy for complex written advice and day-to-day telephone support.
Our experts provide the technical depth needed for property incorporations, SDLT and inheritance tax planning. Recently, we’ve helped firms master restructuring, management buy-outs and independent share valuations.
Integrated Croner Navigate Solutions (up to 20% member discount) includes:
- Navigate Tax Library: A powerful research tool featuring expert commentary, legislation, HMRC guidance and modular toolkits to help you diversify your services.
- Navigate Learning: CPD made simple with over 200 bite-sized modules and 14 new updates monthly, including tracking software.
- VIP tax team (10% off): Direct access to senior specialists for high-stakes queries across all UK tax and VAT areas, acting as an extension of your practice.
Exclusive offer
We are offering ICAS members a free tax consultation to solve a specific case or explore new service areas.
Register for your free ICAS partnership account today, and our team will call to book your session
Elevate your expertise with Croner Navigate Tax
Unlock specialist support with Croner Navigate Tax. Partnering with us provides a dedicated panel of tax and VAT consultants for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. As an ICAS member, you gain exclusive access to high-level consultancy for complex written advice and day-to-day telephone support.
Our experts provide the technical depth needed for property incorporations, SDLT and inheritance tax planning. Recently, we’ve helped firms master restructuring, management buy-outs and independent share valuations.
Integrated Croner Navigate Solutions (up to 20% member discount) includes:
- Navigate Tax Library: A powerful research tool featuring expert commentary, legislation, HMRC guidance and modular toolkits to help you diversify your services.
- Navigate Learning: CPD made simple with over 200 bite-sized modules and 14 new updates monthly, including tracking software.
- VIP tax team (10% off): Direct access to senior specialists for high-stakes queries across all UK tax and VAT areas, acting as an extension of your practice.
Exclusive offer
We are offering ICAS members a free tax consultation to solve a specific case or explore new service areas.
Register for your free ICAS partnership account today, and our team will call to book your session
London Retired
Members Group
The London Retired Members Group is the only group of its kind for CAs. The group holds quarterly get-togethers for retired and semi-retired CAs across the capital and the south-east.
The most recent social event saw members visit the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich in April. Their next meet-up will be over the summer at a London restaurant – date and venue to be confirmed.
Members of the group will also be attending the Meet the President event at the Oxo Tower on 4 June.
Anyone wishing to join, or simply to find out more, please email alanbegg@hotmail.com
London Retired
Members Group
The London Retired Members Group is the only group of its kind for CAs. The group holds quarterly get-togethers for retired and semi-retired CAs across the capital and the south-east.
The most recent social event saw members visit the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich in April. Their next meet-up will be over the summer at a London restaurant – date and venue to be confirmed.
Members of the group will also be attending the Meet the President event at the Oxo Tower on 4 June.
Anyone wishing to join, or simply to find out more, please email alanbegg@hotmail.com
Louis Warwick CA,
Senior Accountant, Cooper Parry
What attracted you to your current role?
I joined Cooper Parry as part of the career development programme, a two-year programme for 0–3-years post-qualified accountants. As part of that I’ve worked across different client finance teams while also receiving mentoring and support from Cooper Parry colleagues. I was attracted to the variety of experience offered as well as the mentoring to help me navigate my early progress and develop my long-term career goals.
Which part of your ICAS training has been most helpful in your career to date?
The variety of the syllabus expanded my knowledge to a wide range of subjects. That has enabled me to be more agile in adapting to the needs of current clients. I’ve also benefited hugely from the connections I built – the people I trained with have been a huge source of motivation and support, then and now.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year?
I hope to continue developing my knowledge and experience, taking on more complex placements and in different industries and sectors. I aim to add meaningful value to the client teams I support. I’m also beginning to explore specific areas that I feel passionate about to progress towards a specialist role.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
Cooper Parry has a fantastic culture of friendly and supportive colleagues. Working out at a client site, you could feel disconnected from the firm, but they put in a lot of effort to make me feel engaged and supported. They often have social events and team or mentor catch-ups. As part of the interim specialist team, I’ve received advice and support from accountants with significant experience acting in interim capacities in senior roles, with whom I would never have connected otherwise. This has been integral in developing my skills and confidence.
What would you say to someone thinking of studying to become a CA?
I’d definitely recommend it. ICAS courses offer the opportunity to build a strong technical knowledge right across finance, with excellent teaching and resource access. Completing the CA is recognised as a significant achievement by employers and opens a world of opportunities. And being an ICAS member connects you to an expansive network of professionals to aid your coaching and development in early careers and throughout.
Louis Warwick CA,
Senior Accountant, Cooper Parry
What attracted you to your current role?
I joined Cooper Parry as part of the career development programme, a two-year programme for 0–3-years post-qualified accountants. As part of that I’ve worked across different client finance teams while also receiving mentoring and support from Cooper Parry colleagues. I was attracted to the variety of experience offered as well as the mentoring to help me navigate my early progress and develop my long-term career goals.
Which part of your ICAS training has been most helpful in your career to date?
The variety of the syllabus expanded my knowledge to a wide range of subjects. That has enabled me to be more agile in adapting to the needs of current clients. I’ve also benefited hugely from the connections I built – the people I trained with have been a huge source of motivation and support, then and now.
What do you hope to achieve over the next year?
I hope to continue developing my knowledge and experience, taking on more complex placements and in different industries and sectors. I aim to add meaningful value to the client teams I support. I’m also beginning to explore specific areas that I feel passionate about to progress towards a specialist role.
What do you enjoy most about working for your company?
Cooper Parry has a fantastic culture of friendly and supportive colleagues. Working out at a client site, you could feel disconnected from the firm, but they put in a lot of effort to make me feel engaged and supported. They often have social events and team or mentor catch-ups. As part of the interim specialist team, I’ve received advice and support from accountants with significant experience acting in interim capacities in senior roles, with whom I would never have connected otherwise. This has been integral in developing my skills and confidence.
What would you say to someone thinking of studying to become a CA?
I’d definitely recommend it. ICAS courses offer the opportunity to build a strong technical knowledge right across finance, with excellent teaching and resource access. Completing the CA is recognised as a significant achievement by employers and opens a world of opportunities. And being an ICAS member connects you to an expansive network of professionals to aid your coaching and development in early careers and throughout.
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