You said, we’re doing: International member research response
You said, we’re doing: International member research response
December 2022 international member research: How we’re responding to your feedback
At the end of last year, we interviewed international members from across seven of our main territories to explore what overseas members value most from their ICAS membership. The research revealed what they consider to be the most important services and benefits that we offer.
We use the insights you provide to inform our understanding of the issues which matter most to you and to help shape our thinking. We also use the insight to structure our strategic planning for the years ahead.
What our international members told us
You told us that you're proud of your CA qualification and value the connection to Scotland your membership provides
The research showed that international members feel connected to fellow CAs and to Scotland by their designation.
We work hard to uphold the qualification’s reputation and continuously review the syllabus to ensure it keeps pace with advances in the worlds of finance and business.
Members see the value that gaining the qualification has brought their careers. They appreciate the security and strength ICAS represents and want to continue to be part of ICAS, but they want to feel better connected with the organisation.
You said you are looking for more networking opportunities
The research found that our international members are looking for greater engagement and to be better connected. Their preferred type of networking is face to face events, where they have the ability to connect informally with a small group.
To support our international members, we organise local communities, which provide a similar function to the UK’s Area Networks. On average, we host 15 events for international ICAS communities annually, and we have 17 planned for 2023 so far.
In February, ICAS CEO Bruce Cartwright CA and ICAS Executive Director - Member Engagement and Communications, Sarah Speirs, met US-based members at an event hosted by Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW). Held in New York, this was an opportunity for members in the US to meet in an intimate setting with executives and CEO from international organisations. Following the event hosted by CAW, there was also an ICAS members-only networking event, held in New York that same week. International members had the opportunity to meet with Bruce and Sarah, and network with global ICAS members.
In addition to in person events, we held over 30 free online events, providing cutting-edge knowledge and insight, and thought-provoking conversation on today’s key issues and opportunities.
Also free is our suite of Professional Development webinars, provided in conjunction with our training partner BPP Professional Development. These provide the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share insights and discuss current trends.
You said you value mentoring relationships and would like to see more access to them
In 2022, we welcomed 123 mentees and 121 mentors to our new mentoring platform. Our priority in 2023 is to grow the number of members using the platform to help better support our members’ development, both professionally and personally. We have redefined processes to streamline the programme, with updates to the Career Mentoring platform that make it as user-friendly as possible.
The platform combines a straightforward sign-up process with a sophisticated mentor/mentee matching system, linking you up with the mentor or mentee who best fits your needs, no matter where you are in the world. Connected members have the ability to message, set up and host either online or in-person meetings.
We have international mentors and mentees across the US, Japan, Mumbai, Canada and Singapore. The program allows you to search by location, making it easy to match with someone if you’re looking for a local connection.
You said you want CPD offerings to be relevant to your region and for the courses to cover topics that complement your technical development
Our international members told us that courses covering key topics, including strategy, good business practices, people management and mental health, are what they’re looking for in their CPD (Continuous Professional Development).
Our innovative CPD webinars aim to give you the flexibility and convenience to grow professionally. We offer a series of live and on-demand CPD partner webinars from technical experts and business leaders on a range of professional development topics.
These can help you keep your knowledge up to date and to pick up hints and tips for improving your skill set. From roundtables and breakfast briefings to webinars and open evenings, these free events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share insight and discuss current trends.
We’ve made a long-term commitment to mental fitness. We aim to open up conversation, provide support and continue breaking down the stigma surrounding mental wellbeing issues. We will continue to highlight resources to help members and students learn more about wellbeing-related issues, on topics including resilience and dealing with stress, with signposting to support and assistance.
Thank you for your feedback
Your opinions matter to us and sharing your feedback is a chance to shape ICAS. Letting us know your views helps us to improve our services and enhance your membership.
Thank you to all the international members who took the time to let us know their thoughts through this research.
