Insights on Ethics & Trust
Shaping voluntary sustainability reporting: what the EU’s new standard means for the global profession.
When The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) submitted its response to the European Commission’s public consultation on a proposed voluntary sustainability reporting standard, it was contributing to a conversation that reaches well beyond European borders.
Sustainability reporting has moved from the margins to the mainstream. Boards, investors and regulators now treat environmental and broader sustainability disclosures with the same seriousness once reserved for financial statements.
More than 80% (8 in 10) of the UK public and professionals see accountants as experts in their field, but a lack of understanding of the role remains, according to our new research report, ‘Society First: Shaping the profession’.
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.
Trust and Ethics: The foundations of Chartered Accountancy
Trust and ethics define Chartered Accountancy. In a fast-moving financial world, Chartered Accountants uphold integrity, ensure transparency, and earn the confidence of businesses and individuals through their commitment to honesty and confidentiality.
As guardians of financial information, they have a duty to act in the public interest—fostering confidence and stability in the economy.
Chartered Accountancy itself emerged from the need for greater scrutiny after corporate failures. Today, with growing expectations on businesses to prioritise more than just profits, Chartered Accountants play a crucial role. Armed with independence, professional scepticism, and a questioning mindset, they help organisations navigate ethical challenges and build lasting trust.
Online Events & Webinars
One clear way that Chartered Accountant Member Institutes are rising to this challenge is in the creation and hosting of online events and activities.
We are working with the Institutes to present the events that have a global perspective and are available to Chartered Accountants everywhere.
Webinars on demand
As businesses confront climate risk, social inequality, resource constraints, and heightened stakeholder scrutiny, traditional financial reporting alone is no longer sufficient to explain how organizations create and preserve long-term value.
In this special edition of Difference Makers Discuss, recorded for the Chartered Accountants Worldwide UAE community, host Carla Wilson is joined by international tax specialist Hugo van Zyl and HR leader Sarah Brooks. Together they unpack the tax, payroll, and governance risks of letting employees work across borders, along with the practical steps every organisation should take.
Understanding climate risks – what you need to know. This webinar explored practical insights and application considerations relating to climate-related risks and opportunities in Australia and New Zealand as well as consideration of Australia’s national climate risk assessment, the country’s net zero sector plans, and a case study on Suncorp NZ’s approach to climate risk management.
Frequently asked questions
Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s Ethics & Trust hub provides articles, webinars and insights on professional ethics, trust, integrity and ethical decision-making. These resources support Chartered Accountants in applying the high standards of conduct and judgement that underpin the profession.
