What is the value of professionals and professionalism in the 21^st century? What are the characteristics, behavioural attributes, values and requirements of a modern professional, to meet the future needs of society?   By extension, what should a 21st-century accountancy profession/professional look like?

As part of our Shaping the Profession strategic initiative, ICAS is seeking to explore what a 21^st century profession/professional should look like. ICAS founded in 1854 is the oldest professional accountancy body in the world; much has changed in society since our formation and arguably the pace of change of business, and indeed wider society, is now faster than ever. To make sure that Chartered Accountants (CAs) and CA students are properly equipped to meet the current and future demands of society we need to assess society’s expectations of what it means to be a professional in the modern world.

If you are interested in undertaking a project in this area, please email research@icas.com attaching a call for research application form (available at icas.com) and a proposal together with summary CVs no later than 23:59 (GMT) on 24 November 2024.

Your application should:

• explain why you believe you or your team are suitable individuals to undertake the project;
• demonstrate your level of, or access to, knowledge and expertise in this area and how this will be leveraged in your proposed methodology;
• state how any team will be structured and responsibilities for completion of the report.

The proposal should identify the specific topics which you will focus on and include:

• details of the proposed research questions and methodology;
• a brief review of prior research/literature (academic and other), if any;
• how the project will advance current knowledge on the topic;
• the extent to which the research will be breaking new ground or building upon work which has already been undertaken;
• a summary of the key issues which you believe are likely to arise from the project;
• the anticipated impact and influence of the project; and
• the amount of grant, in sterling, which you require to complete the project imperatively with a breakdown of the estimated costs.

The Guidance Notes for Research Applicants (available at icas.com) explains what should be included in the proposal.

The research proposals will be considered by a panel of academics and non-academics. Presentations will be required by shortlisted applicants in order to reach a final decision. The shortlist will be advised by ICAS on 28 November, and applicants should ensure that they are available for such presentations on 9 or 10 December.  The final decision will be communicated shortly thereafter.

For further information about this funding opportunity please contact the ICAS research centre: research@icas.com.