The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has joined forces with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, Skills England, and a coalition of UK Chartered bodies to support efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth.
This week, ACCA UK Director Abdul Goffar participated in a meeting with the government, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Skills England, and 11 other Chartered Bodies to discuss strategies for leveraging professional bodies to strengthen the delivery of the UK government’s Industrial Strategy.
The initiative seeks to highlight the role of Chartered Bodies in promoting professional excellence, enhancing career progression, and improving business performance.
Chartered status is widely regarded as a marker of professional integrity and expertise, with networks of accredited professionals contributing to ethical practices and continuous development across sectors.
Evidence cited during the discussions suggests that obtaining Chartered status can confer a wage premium of £8,000 to £15,000 annually, particularly for early- and mid-career professionals moving from non-chartered roles.
The initiative also emphasises how Chartered Bodies provide alternative pathways into high-status professions, with 48% of ACCA UK students entering via non-graduate routes.
Abdul Goffar commented:
“ACCA welcomed the chance to explore how to fully capitalise on the power and influence of professional bodies, to support growth and delivery of the Industrial Strategy. ACCA has a powerful story to tell with 48% of ACCA’s UK students entering via a non-graduate route, demonstrating a large alternative pathway into a high-status profession.
“ACCA looks forward to carrying on this initiative demonstrating the value of Chartered Bodies should be seen as a key pillar to efforts to transform the UK’s workforce into a high-skill powerhouse. We are ready to work with the government to deliver on its growth mission while also improving social mobility and ensuring that increased prosperity reaches every corner of the country.”