A new CPD policy and code of ethics show our will to preserve CIMA's "qualification of choice" status.

AuthorChristison, Ian
PositionIN BUSINESS - Continuing Professional Development - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

One of the hallmarks of a professional accountant in business is their commitment to lifelong learning and ethical integrity. I see this being demonstrated by CIMA members all the time and, on my recent visits to Canada, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, I have been conscious of the appreciation among CIMA employers and the wider business community of the institute's high standing internationally. But it clearly needs to respond, in an ever-changing environment, to the increasing demands of maintaining the reputation, status and integrity of the qualification.

The new policy on continuing professional development, agreed at this year's annual general meeting, and the new code of ethics--both of which come into effect on January 1, 2006--are designed to do exactly this.

We have always recognised the important role that employers play in supporting our members in developing their careers and achieving their aspirations. In return for their investment in people, CIMA employers are assured of the highest professional competence and ethical standards to contribute to their business success.

Equally, we believe it's important to recognise those employers who embrace the concept of career-long learning and who demonstrate their achievement of the institute's quality standards for professional development. This month, therefore, we are launching CIMA Development, a new employer accreditation scheme (see Technical matters, page 24, for full details).

This is another example of our innovative approach with employers that ensures we continue to support, rather than burden them. In so doing we remain the preferred accountancy qualification for professional accountants in business.

On the other front, staying up to date with the latest in professional ethics forms a crucial...

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