Ethical Insights: Reflections for the next generation of ethical leaders

15 October 2025

Last updated: 16 October 2025

ICAS

In this series of conversations about ethical leadership, we speak with high profile ICAS members who have reflected on what it means to do the right, or ethical thing throughout their careers. It is hoped that the conversations provide practical guidance to help anyone in a challenging professional situation where they are required to seek the truth and then act.

As well as interviewing these ICAS members individually, under Chatham House rules, we also surveyed our members in a quantitative survey during 2024, conducted by Dodds & Law Research Associates. We received 710 responses from a survey of 10,000 members and we have taken some of the results and findings and used them in this report to highlight the wider views of members.

View Ethical Insights

Insight eight

For our final ethical insight, we asked the participants who contributed to give one message they would want to convey to those coming into the profession in 2025. This is what they said:

“Who you are and what you stand for – your values and your ethics - are more important than your career.”

“Just do the right thing. And if you feel pressurised, talk to somebody. You need to be able to live with your decisions.”

“Keep investing in your technical skills but also keep investing in your networks. It is these networks that are helpful when you need advice about a difficult situation.”

“Consult furiously because 99 times out of 100 it will always get you through the problem.”

“You will only ever thrive in a culture that chimes with your own values. So, to the extent that you've learned these values from your training, don't accept anything less in any company for whom you work.”

“Stand tall if you believe in something. Stand by your principles. Be honest.”

“Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. And know yourself and know where your red lines are.”

“Being ethical is about bravely seeking the truth and then acting on it.”

“The motto of the Scottish Institute is seek the truth. And that's what you're there for – people are not interested in you shading it. It's your job to do it. And no matter what's thrown at you, you've got to do what you think is right and be able to live with yourself afterwards.”

“When I was President of ICAS we used to have a graduation ceremony for those that had passed their exams, and I changed it because it is not like being at University. When you get your degree, you go off and do something different. You remain a Chartered Accountant. And so now we call it an admission ceremony and we make newly qualifieds stand up and take an oath – which basically states I will preserve the ethics of my profession and do everything I can to uphold the public interest.”

“One of the very first lectures I attended as part of my training to become a Chartered Accountant was from a professor of risk who taught us that we were the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland... and that meant adhering to their motto – seek the truth.”