Unlock the value of volunteering with ICAS
With volunteering opportunities on its boards, panels and committees, there are many ways for you to get involved and share you expertise with ICAS. We spoke to several CAs to hear about the value volunteering with ICAS brings to them and the profession, and why you should consider getting involved.
There are many volunteering opportunities open to you on the various ICAS boards, panels and committees. Their remits cover governance and operations, qualifications, ethics and policy leadership, alongside specialist matters such as taxation, pensions and charities.
Hear from a range of ICAS members about the value these volunteer roles bring to them and the profession, and why you should consider getting involved.
Samantha Frost CA
What’s your day job?
“I’m a Director at Think Consulting Pty Ltd.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I sit on Council, Members Board and the Presidential Nomination Committee, and I’m Chair of the Constitution Panel.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“Through the work of Council, the panels and the committees, there’s continued focus on the value proposition for members and students. Discussions and decisions begin from a starting point of 'why are we doing this?' and 'how does this help?' Having thought processes framed in this way ensures that the value ICAS can bring remains front and centre.”
What does this look like in action?
“Within Members Board we’ve been looking at the role of Area Networks and International Ambassadors. These are long-standing networks within ICAS which provide an invaluable conduit between the boards and committees, and the members and students which ICAS serves across the globe. We hear from representatives what our members and students are experiencing – and what they are looking to ICAS for – and we are actively seeking to increase the size of these networks.”
What’s in it for you?
“On a professional level, volunteering on the ICAS boards and committees has expanded my network exponentially. Working with ICAS ensures that I stay in touch with what’s happening in the market and profession. On a personal level, I get to work alongside some very talented and inspiring individuals. And it is particularly rewarding to engage in work which supports our students, as I remember all-too-well how stressful it was to complete my CA qualification!”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“I'd strongly encourage you to join an ICAS board, panel or committee. Naturally, it does require an investment of your time and effort, but the rewards are really worthwhile.”
Jim Robertson CA
What’s your day job?
“I’m a Non-Executive Chair, of the Scottish Government’s Audit & Assurance Committee.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I’m a member of ICAS Council, Qualifications Board, the Devolved Taxes Committee, and the Equality Diversity & Inclusion Committee.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“Council safeguards the interests of ICAS members and students generally.
Qualifications Board ensures our assessment syllabus remains relevant to actual and prospective students, and ensures that high standards are maintained.
The Devolved Taxes Committee works with fiscal authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to influence legislation to ensure it's workable and meets government objectives with no unintended consequences.
And the EDI Committee, which was originally set up by me, aims to create a fairer, inclusive, and more equal profession, and is currently focused on social mobility, equality and wellbeing.”
What does this look like in action?
“In 2023 the Devolved Taxes Committee joined with the Chartered Institute of Taxation to produce the report 'Building a Better Tax System'. It contained recommendations on strengthening decision-making, developing a more structured approach to introducing and reforming taxes, and improving awareness and understanding of the Scottish Parliament’s tax powers. It was shared with officials as a precursor to a meeting with the Scottish minister responsible for tax.”
What’s in it for you?
“Volunteering keeps me up to date with professional matters I'm passionate about. As a result, I have no problem meeting the CPD requirements in the ICAS annual return!”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“Think of it as an opportunity to support and keep in touch with your alma mater. Choose an area you’re passionate about. You’ll contribute a lot and learn even more.”
Get involved with ICAS
View the board, committee and panel volunteering positions currently open for application.
Louise Page CA
What’s your day job?
“I’m Chief Financial Officer at The John Muir Trust.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I’m a member of ICAS Council.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“Volunteers bring a broad range of experience and insights from varied backgrounds to help ensure ICAS remains relevant, adds value and supports students and members.”
What does this look like in action?
“Collective thinking from Council and the ICAS Executive team helped shape the 2030 strategy and roadmap of change to ensure ICAS remains relevant, fit for future and sustainable. The collective thinking included a review of the training syllabus and ways of learning for students. The ideas started in 2022 and Council provided oversight. It’s great to now see some of those changes being experienced by our students.”
What’s in it for you?
"I've gained confidence through hearing others’ views that are consistent with my own. Council agenda items and discussions have helped me think of areas that are relevant in my paid role that I potentially wouldn't have thought of. It’s helped me develop awareness of topical areas and how they might impact my job and my employer.”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“It’s a great experience that will help you appreciate the challenges ICAS and accountancy bodies generally are facing. It will involve time commitment outside meetings, but I see that as an investment in my own career through the experience and connections I've gained.”
Katherine Ritchie CA
What’s your day job?
“I’m Global Head of Quality Strategy and Program Management Office for Innovative Therapeutics at Novartis.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I’m a member of Members Board.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“Members Board performs a strategic role in considering all aspects of the way ICAS engages with its members and students. They monitor delivery of the ICAS strategy and provide advice on any matters affecting the interests of members and students.”
What does this look like in action?
“The meetings are discursive and may include reviewing proposals from ICAS or generating ideas on topics impacting members and students. Recently we’ve had deep dives on the website project to improve the user experience, on the branding of the accountancy profession, marketing of ICAS on social media, and on the university engagement programme.”
What’s in it for you?
“Through Members Board, I’m more aware of things ICAS offers, like the Area Networks and International Communities. They are a great way to meet people and really helped with my move to the US. It also connected me to the ICAS Mentoring programme and the opportunity to meet, support and learn from other ICAS members. I’ve gained invaluable insights, expanded my professional network, and at the same time feel I’ve been able to give back to the profession and institute that have been a part of shaping my career and development.”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“It’s a great way to expand your network, an opportunity for strategic and critical thinking, and our institute benefits from the diversity of our experiences to enable it to continue serving us and future accountants.”
Kris Keane CA
What’s your day job?
“I’m Managing Director at Teneo.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I’m Chair of the East of Scotland Area Network.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“The Area Network offers a pathway for CAs to connect to ICAS and other CAs in their local area in a flexible and recurring way. They also promote ICAS events to their network and they feedback to ICAS soundings from CAs on their views and feelings towards ICAS.”
What does this look like in action?
“The East of Scotland Area Network recently hosted a Burns Supper in Edinburgh, it brought together 80 CAs in the area and a great night was had by all. A summer event is in planning and we are looking to add regular drop in, catch-up networking opportunities.”
What’s in it for you?
“I’ve been on the Area Network, in its various guises, for many years. It has allowed me to build my CA network, have a more connected feeling with ICAS and a sense of giving back and developing younger CAs.”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“Do it for the right reasons. Don’t just do it thinking it will look good on the CV. Make sure that both ICAS and you will get value from your participation in any board, panel or committee.”
Carole Ford
What’s your day job?
“I’m an Associate Tutor at the University of Strathclyde and a retired Secondary School Headteacher.”
Where do you volunteer with ICAS?
“I’m a member of the Investigation Committee.”
How do they add value to ICAS and the profession?
“Chartered Accountants trade on their reputation for competence, honesty and integrity. It’s important to maintain that reputation. Deterring misconduct or incompetence, and dealing with it, on the rare occasions it occurs, is essential. The Investigation Committee is crucial to that process.”
What does this look like in action?
“One of our functions is to investigate complaints against CAs and to adjudicate on possible sanctions if a complaint has been upheld. Sometimes we uncover a generic issue which has an impact on both CAs and the public. We can therefore contribute to the wider development of the whole profession. Learning from fellow professionals' mistakes is a good way to avoid them!”
What’s in it for you?
“My own understanding of professional regulation has developed substantially, and I remain convinced that it is strong professional regulation, including lay personnel, who bring an understanding of public perception and expectations, which contributes to an honest, stable and well-functioning society.”
I’m an ICAS member considering getting involved. What advice would you give me?
“I would encourage anyone to join. There’s huge professional learning in dealing with the detail of the profession, and you will meet interesting and informative people. You would be contributing to the wellbeing of your profession and ensuring that it develops smoothly to meet the changing technical and social circumstances. ICAS needs volunteers to maintain the reputation of the profession and ensure the smooth running of its many functions – and a strong professional body is key to maintaining the CA brand.”
Get involved with ICAS
View the board, committee and panel volunteering positions currently open for application.
