The Policy & Public Affairs Team manages the AIA’s relationships with policy-makers and key political opinion formers in the UK, the EU and across the world and facilitates influencing opportunities at national and local level. Our policies are developed with members through a range of working groups, and regular updates keep members informed of the latest policy developments.
AIA’s engagement with government, standard setters, regulators and other stakeholders forms an integral part of the services that we provide for members and ensures that we remain at the forefront of the profession by shaping its future. Through consultation, lobbying and partnerships AIA has been successful in ensuring that members’ voices are heard and provide feedback and comment on all areas that impact on our members working environment, ensuring that best practice is maintained. AIA is present on many forums and committees including HMRC's Agent Support Group, Working Together, the Joint VAT Consultative Committee and the Accountancy Anti Money Laundering Supervisors' Group, Anti Money Laundering Supervisors Forum, The Intelligence Sharing Expert Working Group, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Taxation and the Companies House Stakeholders Forum.
Our policy agenda ensures that AIA is an authoritative voice within the accountancy sector and assists in our commitment to raising standards. Through research and member engagement, AIA responds to key issues affecting the profession and ensures we provide members with the most up to date guidance and information, allowing them to work to the highest professional and ethical standards.
AIA also uses its influence to ensure that the accountancy sector serves the public interest and promotes the benefits of recognised, high quality, professional qualifications. The AIA’s robust membership requirements and disciplinary framework adds additional reassurance and protection to the businesses that rely on accountancy services. This commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional education and membership has contributed to AIA’s ongoing work with organisations such as those listed below, as well as recognition by banks, building societies, universities and other professional bodies.
The European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for small and medium-sized enterprises (EFAA for SMEs) is an umbrella organisation for national accountants and auditors’ organisations whose individual members provide professional services primarily to SMEs within the European Union and Europe as a whole.
The Northern Powerhouse aims to bring together the great cities, towns and rural commuities of the North of England and Wales in order to boost the local economy by investing in skills, innovation, transport and culture.
His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority. HMRC collect the money that pays for the UK’s public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.
TheCityUK is the industry-led body representing UK-based financial and related professional services. In the UK, across Europe and internationally, CityUK promote policies that drive competitiveness, support job creation and ensure long-term economic growth.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states and home to 2.4 billion people. The Commonwealth aims to help strengthen governance, build inclusive institutions and promote justice and human rights.
The Association of Corporate Treasurers set the global benchmark for treasury excellence and lead the profession through internationally recognised qualifications, by defining standards and by championing continuing professional development.
Accounting for International Development offers accountants from around the world the opportunity to use their skills to support a broad range of non-profit organisations globally.
The Federation of Awarding Bodies is the membership organisation for technical and professional awarding organisations in the UK. They liaise with key stakeholders including Government departments, regulators and funding agencies to represent the interests of awarding organisations.
The Professional Associations Research Network is a not-for-profit membership organisation for professional bodies, offering expertise, experience and perspective on key issues in the sector through research, bespoke services, networking, events and training.
Access Accountancy is a collaboration of more than 25 professional services firms dedicated to improving access to the accountancy profession in the UK and promoting diversity across all levels of the sector.
The Yorkshire Asian Business Association provides a voice for business on a regional, national and international level, whilst working under the framework of the National Asian Business Association to develop a cohesive, comprehensive strategy to be the voice of Asian Businesses.
The Good Business Charter is an accreditation that recognises responsible business practices such as real living wage, fairer hours and contracts, employee well-being, employee representation, diversity and inclusion, environmental responsibility, paying fair tax, commitment to customers, ethical sourcing, and prompt payment.
The Pensions Regulator protect the UK’s workplace pensions, making sure employers, trustees, pension specialists and business advisers can fulfil their duties to scheme members.
AIMS Accountants for Business is the largest network of independent qualified accountants throughout the UK. Unique in their approach – they offer a full range of accountancy services focusing on small to medium businesses (SMEs).