ICAEW ethical rules not mandatory?

Where can I complain to about ICAEW ethical rules not being mandatory?

Didn't find your answer?

I made a complaint to the ICAEW about the actions of an ICAEW firm. The ICAEW dismissed the complaint because although they accepted that there had been a wrong they said they would take no action because the professional conduct rules were not mandatory. I am surprised this is the case and wonder what is the point of the ethical rules if they are not mandatory. Is there a higher authority I can complain to about the rules not being mandatory?

Replies (14)

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By Accountant A
21st Aug 2018 18:14

rota2 wrote:

Is there a higher authority I can complain to about the rules not being mandatory?

You could presumably write to the Head Honcho/Big Cheese/CEO - but what would it achieve? It does seem like a bizarre situation, from what you say, but if them's the rules ....

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Replying to Accountant A:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:12

I agree it would probably achieve nothing to write to boss of ICAEW. No one has been able to suggest who I could write to. As you say them's the rules.

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RLI
By lionofludesch
21st Aug 2018 18:21

Get on to emmablyth.

She'll sort it.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:13

I do not know who emmablyth is.

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By Tim Vane
21st Aug 2018 19:55

You are welcome to complain to me. I accept any and all formal complaints provided they are accompanied by a cheque to cover my fees and administration costs. I have a scale of charges ranging from an exasperated tut through an annoyed scowl and up to a sweary rant. For an additional fee I will post an outraged comment on various forms of social media with a hashtag of your choice.

I do this with the full backing of my professional body and I have PII in place to cover any accidentally libellous comments.

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Replying to Tim Vane:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:15

Ha ha, but it's quite a serious matter than no one is policing the ICAEW or their members and I guess it is the same for the other professional accountant bodies.

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By bernard michael
22nd Aug 2018 10:00

God's a bit busy with MTD at the moment

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Replying to bernard michael:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:16

MTD is the least of my problems.

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By User deleted
22nd Aug 2018 11:12

Surprised they are not mandatory. Demonstrates my naivety.

If ICAEW aren't interested, what else can you do?

Indeed, regulation (by them) is voluntary for most of their members. Many firms operate with no one to complain to other than Trading Stds etc

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Replying to User deleted:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:18

Agreed, I was surprised.

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By thomas34
22nd Aug 2018 12:46

That response seems so ridiculous that it needs following through - I wonder if you got the advice from the tea boy. I suspect (and hope) if you politely rejected that response and asked them to reconsider you might get a different answer. Alternatively ask them if they minded their advice being sent to the newspapers.

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Replying to thomas34:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:23

The advice was from the professional standards department in writing. I was surprised by their blanket statement. I have not read all the "professional standards", but in relation to the specific matter I could not see where it says that the rules are not mandatory.

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By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
22nd Aug 2018 14:02

Surprised no-one has called "male cow dung" on this yet.

ICAEW code of ethics is mandatory, albeit some specific rules are only advisory.

Time to retire Selwyn? I see you are 65 now.

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Replying to ireallyshouldknowthisbut:
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By rota2
22nd Aug 2018 19:32

I think it is nonsense. Yes, age 65. I now only work 5 hours a week so I don't have much time to spend on this sort of problem. Where something appears nonsense I'm prepared to spend a little time querying it. In the absence of any suggestions in response to my posting I think I will just forget about it. So thank you all...……..I will just concentrate on earning fees.

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