Elections to Council

Attributes of Council members
            An ability to take a strategic and analytical approach to issues and to see the big picture
An understanding of business and the marketplace
Communication and networking skills
An ability to interact with peers and respect the views of others
Decision-making abilities
An ability and track-record of acting in an ambassadorial role in many different environments
Planning and time management
A willingness to learn and develop.


        

Council is the governing body of ACCA and so has a pivotal role in ACCA affairs (see the panel below on its remit). Council and the executive collaborate to devise ACCA’s strategy, which is then approved by Council.

Delivery of the strategy, and all operational matters, are the responsibility of the executive, with oversight provided by Council via the Council Board.

Remit of Council
            To ensure that ACCA operates in the public interest and delivers the objectives stated in its royal charter
To set the overall direction of ACCA through regular approval of ACCA strategy
To ensure that governance structures are aligned to the effective delivery of the strategy
To engage with ACCA members to explain and promote ACCA’s strategic direction
To act on behalf of all members and of future generations of members (today’s students)
To provide an objective environment for the executive to explore new ideas and challenges.


        

Council members are volunteer custodians, elected by the membership of ACCA to provide overall stewardship of ACCA’s wellbeing. Council members act in the interests of the membership as a whole, rather than on behalf of any particular constituency, country or group.

Candidates for election to Council come from all parts of the world and hold a wide range of senior positions across a range of sectors. For those wishing to stand for Council it is valuable to be able to think strategically and actively participate in strategic decision-making.

Personal and professional integrity must be of the highest standard.

Commitment

Council members’ primary commitment is to attend three Council meetings each year and the annual Council meeting, which follows the AGM. Council members are expected to prepare for each meeting by reading through relevant papers as provided, and fully participate in all meetings. Meetings are typically held online or in the UK (and include some meetings held on a Saturday). Council members will also be invited to attend online briefings and training sessions that are arranged during the year.

As a Council member you may be asked to represent Council at member events and in other advocacy activities in markets.

ACCA expects members to bring a number of skills and attributes to Council (see panel).

How to apply

Anyone wishing to stand must be nominated by at least 10 other members who are in good standing. Candidates need to supply a head-and-shoulders photograph and an election statement. They are also required to sign declarations of their willingness to comply with, and be bound by, the code of practice for Council members.

Candidates can produce a one-minute video in support of their election statements. The videos will be posted on a dedicated voting website, together with the written statements and photographs.

Information on serving on Council and the election process is available on ACCA’s website.

To register your interest in standing for election or for more information, please send an email with your full name, membership number and job title, quoting ‘Council elections’ in the subject box. The closing date for the submission of nominations and all supporting information is 9 August 2023, in accordance with bye-law 16.