The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has announced that Lucy Winskell has stepped down as chair of its regulatory board at the end of her tenure.
The ACCA Regulatory Board, supported by the Appointments, Qualifications and Standards Boards, oversees the organisation’s regulatory arrangements.
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Reflecting on her time in the role, Winskell said she had “greatly enjoyed” it, with support from board colleagues, members of the executive team and ACCA staff.
During the year, the board received updates on further developments relating to UK audit and corporate governance reforms.
It also considered the implementation of the ACCA’s ongoing Digital Transformation programme to ensure that any regulatory arrangements affected by the changes remain sound.
A further area of focus was performance against key indicators, especially the time taken to conclude investigations and hold hearings.
Winskell said: “The board plays a key role in both safeguarding the public interest and delivering public value. The board, therefore, takes very seriously its role in overseeing ACCA’s regulatory activities and to do so in the public interest.
“The substantial level of lay involvement remains a key differentiator and a real strength in demonstrating impartiality and public interest are at the fore.”
Suzanne McCarthy is the incoming chair. To support a smooth transition, she was appointed chair designate with effect from 1 December 2025.
Winskell’s departure comes as the accounting body published its latest annual review of regulation.
In its Report on Regulation 2026, ACCA said ongoing geopolitical developments in different parts of the world continue to create uncertainty and are affecting the regulatory landscape.
Maggie McGhee, executive director strategy and governance at ACCA, said: “We work proactively with our lead regulators to support improvements, implementing recommendations and engaging on regulatory developments to help shape policy in the public interest.
‘ACCA is driving forward innovations in learning and assessment. This reflects our commitment to education and ensuring that our future members and members develop and maintain up to date professional and technical skills that support the standing of the ACCA accountant globally.
“We continue to set and enforce high ethical standards for our members and future members – to which all must adhere.”
