The power of ICAS' public affairs: Why engagement matters more than ever

The saying goes that a week is a long time in politics — a well-worn phrase, but one that has rarely felt truer than in recent years. Political events have unfolded with remarkable speed.

In the three years I’ve been at ICAS, we have seen four Prime Ministers, six Business Secretaries, and three First Ministers of Scotland, all against the backdrop of a world undergoing a deep geopolitical realignment.

A new UK government took office last summer, seeking to establish its footing amid a global landscape marked by conflict in Ukraine and Gaza. And yet, here at home, there is often a sense that genuine, lasting change continues to prove elusive. 

ICAS must remain consistently engaged with governments and parliaments to ensure that our voice is heard when key decisions are taken, and to help make sure that those decisions are informed by knowledge and understanding. The policies pursued by governments have far-reaching effects, affecting individuals, families, businesses, and communities alike. 

It is easy for some to feel detached from politics or to believe that it bears little relevance to their daily lives. In reality, political decisions shape the economic and social environments in which we all live. As a professional institute, ICAS has an important responsibility to contribute to this process: To inform and educate policymakers, and, where appropriate, to help shape the development of legislation and policy in the public interest. 

ICAS continues to engage with parliamentarians, articulating the importance of the profession and the wider sector, and highlighting the value it brings to society, the economy, and the promotion of ethical leadership.

We engage with policymakers in a variety of ways to make sure the voice of ICAS and the profession is heard. This year, we hosted a dinner in the House of Commons to discuss the importance of better regulation — making the case that when regulation is well designed, proportionate, and purposeful, it can support growth rather than hinder it. This debate has never been more topical, as the government seeks to address the need for economic growth. But it’s vital that growth isn’t at the expense of public interest and wider society.     

We’ve also taken part in party conference business days, engaging with new Ministers and Secretaries of State to share our perspectives on key issues. Throughout the year, we’ve met with MPs and MSPs on topics central to our agenda, including audit and corporate governance reform and sustainability. 

At CA House, we have hosted meetings for partner organisations and welcomed relevant Scottish spokespeople from different parties. We’ve also attended political awards events, using these occasions to engage ministers and parliamentarians in discussion on matters such as the Budget, sustainability and devolved taxation.  

Autumn is always a particularly active period. This week, we’re taking part in Holyrood Magazine’s Showcasing Scotland reception in the House of Commons and joining a panel discussion on the forthcoming Budget and reflections from the party conference season. We are also partnering with the Institute of Directors for a working dinner on ethical leadership, held in partnership with the Industry and Parliament Trust at the start of November. And, at the end of the month, we will once again attend the Scottish Politician of the Year Awards — an opportunity to engage with MPs and MSPs and, as ever, to bend a few ears (politely, of course). 

We continue to make certain that the ICAS voice is heard where it matters most, in response to key consultations from government, parliamentary committees, and regulators. Our colleagues also engage year-round with officials across government, regulatory bodies, think tanks, and other stakeholders. In all these conversations, the insights and expertise of our members, boards, committees, and panels are invaluable. 

The ICAS Strategy 2030 sets a clear direction for the Institute, placing a strong, credible voice for the profession at its core. That is precisely what we are striving to build consistently throughout the year, and especially in the lead-up to and aftermath of elections. 

Following the Labour Party’s return to government last year, we have spent the past 16 months developing relationships with new decision-makers. We still need to keep a vigilant eye on Westminster and Whitehall, especially around the Budget, standards for sustainability standards reporting and assurance, corporate reporting and governance reform. But our attention also now turns to Scotland’s Parliamentary elections in 2026. Our focus is shifting towards the key priorities and challenges that will shape the next Scottish Government’s agenda. 

We are developing our key asks for the next Scottish Government, centred on skills, sustainability, devolved taxation, the fiscal framework and public sector reform. In the coming months, we’ll host a reception at the Scottish Parliament in (February 2026) and plan to hold a hustings event with party candidates in early spring 

These efforts are all part of ensuring that ICAS continues to represent the profession with authority and influence. We’ll keep you updated as our work progresses.