Whitehall threat to training body
Government plans to overhaul the flagship National Training Organisations could result in the demise of the accountancy arm, Accountancy Age has learnt.
The fledgling Accountancy National Training Organisation could be scrapped following a government review – but it is already threatened after ICAS announced on Tuesday that it was withdrawing support from the body’s funding group just 18 months after its launch.
NTOs were created by the Department of Education to research skill requirements and set occupational standards.
ICAS blamed ‘the weak organisation structure and lack of governance over its activities; a lack of any significant financial or practical involvement in the activities of the ANTO by employees; and refusal by the ANTO to work alongside the professional bodies’.
However, CIPFA, CIMA and the ICAEW, are continuing to fund the organisation. Ken Gill, director of education and training at CIPFA, said: ‘It’s regrettable but we fully understand ICAS’s decision.’ CIPFA will remain with the ANTO for the next three months, he said.
It is understood all NTOs could be replaced with smaller skills groups.
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ICAS exits accountancy training body