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Home / ... / Strategy and the Impetus towards Change

I write my first CEO’s Comment column ten days into the job. Already I have found that there is a considerable impetus towards change within the Institute and indeed an expectation from everybody that change will happen. The Institute has taken the very important first steps towards a new strategic direction be setting up the Strategic Review Group which is working hard to bring its work to a conclusion by November of this year. I am indeed fortunate to be joining the Institute at this exciting time.

I want to work in an Institute that is not just relevant but indeed essential to its members needs. We must be as supportive as possible to our members in terms of student education, lifelong learning, representation, setting standards and the provision of timely and accurate information. This support will enhance the value and promote the distinctiveness, qualities and uniqueness of the CA brand. The CA brand is our key asset and we must grow it and protect it in order to ensure that it is synonymous with professionalism, integrity, added value, quality and credibility. We need to connect with our members. They must feel that it is their Institute which works to support them and protect their interests. We must also serve the public interest but this should not prevent us from being as supportive as possible to our members.



I have no doubt that the Institute staff will respond to the challenges ahead. Perhaps, our biggest challenge is to harness the expertise and goodwill of our members in developing and delivering new services and products and in representing their interests. I have no doubt that we will need new Authors, Lectures, Trainers, Committee members in order to become more relevant to you. Be warned - staff will be persuading you to become involved with the Institute and we hope you do.

Annual Conference There is no better way to spend a few working days than at a professional and enjoyable conference. You can receive expert technical knowledge while also networking with colleagues both in business and in practice. After an absence of some years, the Institute's annual conference is returning to Galway - to the luxurious Radisson Hotel, 14th -16th April 05. This conference will be for all CAs whether they are working in practice, or business - more about this later.

I look forward to meeting members over the coming months and to working with Council, Staff and our growing team of volunteers in order to make the Institute as relevant and as supportive as possible to its members. In the meantime, I am keen to hear your views so please feel free to contact me at the email address below.

Pat Costello

Accountancy Ireland Vol 36 No 5 October 2004.