ICAS Cares

ICAS Cares is a charity dedicated to supporting past and present ICAS members, their dependents and future CAs facing hard times. The organisation continues the help previously provided for over 100 years by the Scottish Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (SCABA).

Help on offer

Life-changing events can happen to anyone, and are often unexpected. Whether its ill health, unemployment, debt or a relationship breakdown, we are here to help from the moment you step on the path to becoming a CA.

We offer a non-judgmental and confidential ear when it’s needed most, as well as three core pillars of support:

1. Emotional support

Access to our Outreach Coordinator, who will:

• Offer time to understand your situation
• Help you identify and explore solutions
• Work with you to plan a way forward

2. Practical support

Assistance to:

• Get appropriate advice and benefits
• Understand and obtain third party support (such as financial advice or counselling)
• Identify and reach out to other organisations providing that support

3. Financial support

A helping hand to ease money worries, including:

• Short-term emergency funding
• One-off grants (to help pay for things like home adaptions, funeral/moving costs, rent arrears or re-training support)
• Extended financial support (with regular reviews)

How to apply for help

For an initial conversation, contact Kirsty Gray CA (Charity Manager) at manager@icas-cares.org.uk or on 07880 435415. Alternatively, you can download and complete an application form if you’re clear about your needs.

Application form

Read our frequently asked questions to find out more about our support and the application process.

FAQs

How to support ICAS Cares

We rely on donations and legacies to continue supporting those in need. You have the option to:

• Make a donation as part of your annual ICAS membership renewal.
• Set up a monthly contribution by standing order with your bank. Contact us to request our account details and for a Gift Aid declaration form to increase the value of your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Or, donate here.
• Send a cheque, made payable to ‘ICAS Cares’ and post to: ICAS Cares, PO Box 29482, Cupar, KY15 9AZ.
• Leave a donation to the charity in your will. If you have already set up a legacy in the name of the Scottish Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association, please check whether your will should be updated or includes discretion for the executor to pass this to ICAS Cares.

How ICAS Cares is run

We are governed by a board of trustees who meet every three months, supported by a part time staff team.

Trustees: Ruth Adams CA (Chair), Gemma Palombo CA (Vice Chair), John Kennedy CA (Vice Chair), Stephen Harman CA, Alex Marsh CA and Sean Grubb CA.

Staff:

Kirsty Gray CA (Charity Manager)

Averil Douglas (Outreach Coordinator)

ICAS Cares is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Scottish Charity number: SC052865.

Become a trustee

We are looking for empathetic and compassionate CAs to join our team of voluntary trustees.

• As a member of the ICAS Cares Board, you’ll be expected to ensure the charity meets its governance, legal and strategic responsibilities. This includes preparing for and attending board meetings (held four times a year).
• An interest in, or knowledge or experience of individual grant giving, benevolent organisations or a lived experience of challenging times would be welcome.
• We accept applications from both experienced and first-time trustees with the right skills.

Find out more

If you want to know more about ICAS Cares or are interested in becoming a trustee, contact Kirsty Gray CA (Charity Manager):

• Email: manager@icas-cares.org.uk
• Call: 07780 435415