The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
(CIPFA) has announced leadership changes, launched an online
learning application and outlined new criteria for members in
private practice.

In an effort to comply with the International Federation of
Accountants’ Statements of Member Obligations and HM Treasury money
laundering regulations, the UK institute said, members in private
practice will be required to hold a practising certificate and have
until March 2008 to register. The scheme also applies to sole
practitioners and contractors.

CIPFA policy and technical director Ian Carruthers said: “I am
delighted that the institute has reached the important milestone of
issuing the first practising certificate. I believe we have
developed a high quality practice assurance scheme that will offer
practical support for our members in practice.”

The practice assurance scheme is one of the first joint initiatives
between CIPFA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales under a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Another initiative launched in the past month is an online learning
application aimed at CIPFA students. The Student Learning Centre
(SLC) will replace textbooks and other hardcopy learning material.
It is designed to make content more accessible through the
internet.

The SLC will offer learning content for each module, online
registration and exam entry process, discussion forums,
self-assessment tests, electronic portfolio management and
submission capability.

CIPFA director of education Adrian Pulham said: “By delivering
learning content online we are able to offer so many more benefits
over traditional textbooks… of course, it also places us firmly in
the 21st century, utilising the best technology and sustainable
resources, available to help students learn and prepare for
exams.”

New CIPFA officers for the 2008/2009 council have also been
confirmed. Caroline Mahwood is to become president, following her
present role as vice-president. Roger Latham will take over as
vice-president. The officers begin their new roles in June.