What’s on the agenda? Highlights from Members Board June 2026

The ICAS Members Board met on 17 June 2026 for a wide-ranging discussion focused on the future member experience, the evolving ICAS brand, member insight, sustainability, AI and the role members can play in supporting the wider profession.

The meeting brought together Board members and ICAS staff to explore how ICAS can continue to listen to, represent and support its membership.  

A key theme running through the meeting was how ICAS continues to evolve to meet the needs of members, students, employers and wider stakeholders. Members Board heard updates from the recent Oversight Board and Council discussions, including the next phase of Strategy 2030, which is focused on three strategic priorities: People & Leadership, Transformation and Growth.

Shaping a stronger digital experience for members 

One of the most significant discussions centred on the evolving ICAS digital ecosystem and how the ICAS Advantage platform, currently used by students, could expand to better serve members, employers and regulated firms. Members Board explored the ambition to create one interface, login and dashboard, with the platform continuing to develop in response to user feedback.  

Board members were clear about what they wanted to see prioritised: more personalisation, improved search based on role, industry and geography, and supported a better way to bring relevant technical content, CPD and events directly to members. They also highlighted the opportunity to create stronger member connection — helping CAs find and connect with others by location, sector or year qualified. A further update will come to the next Members Board meeting.

A refreshed purpose 

The Board also discussed the developing ICAS brand narrative and purpose, designed to guide future communications and campaigns. The discussion explored how ICAS can tell its story in a way that reflects both its proud history and its future impact.

Sustainability, AI and the future of the profession

Members Board heard an update from the Sustainability Committee, including its focus on market developments, modern corporate reporting and ICAS responses to three significant consultations. The update also covered the launch of five new sustainability CPD courses, free to members, and the next ICAS Sustainability Summit will take place in Edinburgh on 7 October.  

Artificial intelligence was also a key topic. Members Board reviewed work undertaken by ICAS in relation to AI over the previous 12 months and discussed the groundwork needed before the deployment of AI agents to support staff and students. Members also asked about practical, member-facing AI content, which will be brought to a future Members Board meeting.

Listening to members through better insight 

The Board received an update on a Proof of Concept for a new way of gathering member insight, following feedback from the previous meeting. The update addressed Board questions on response rates and login experience, with success to be measured through both participation and improvements in insight quality. The Board will continue to review progress on member insight.

Supporting the ICAS Foundation

Members Board also heard from Chris O’Sullivan, Head of Income & Engagement at the ICAS Foundation, who shared an update on the Foundation’s work. Members were asked to support the Foundation by championing its work, connecting it to opportunities, and helping strengthen member engagement by advising on how best to reach CAs who may be able to give time, support or become advocates. 

A Board focused on action and member voice

The Board reflected on its own effectiveness and agreed actions to support more effective meetings.  Members Board will continue to act as a sounding board for key developments affecting the member experience.  The next meeting of the Board will take place on 2 September 2026.