The Business Law Department

The Business Law Department lobbies for changes in areas of the law and regulation which are relevant to accountants and the accountancy profession. It also contributes, where possible, to proposed changes in the law and provides guidance on the outcomes.

It supports members by a providing a centre of experience and advice through the provision of formal and informal guidance such as Technical Releases, ICAEW Know How, webinars, webpages, blogs and articles. In line with ICAEW’s public interest remit, the department also seeks clarification and interpretations through representation and liaising with others whose activities, scope procedures or requirements may affect the professional work of members. This includes government departments, official bodies, professional and trade associations and others outside the accountancy profession.

The Business Law Team

Charles Worth

Charles is head of the business law department and has a particular focus on company law, insolvency, workplace pensions, charities and social housing.

charles.worth@icaew.com

Dr Jane Berney FCA

Jane looks at a wide range of laws and regulations that members may encounter in their professional lives such as data protection, modern slavery, gender pay gap reporting, lobbying and legal services.

jane.berney@icaew.com 

Liz Cole

Liz is a lawyer working part time for the business law department with a focus on workplace pensions.

liz.cole@icaew.com

Sophie Falcon ACA

Sophie is responsible for the areas of economic crime (including anti-money laundering) and ethics.

sophie.falcon@icaew.com

Volunteers

The work of the Business law department is supported by a number of groups of volunteer experts and specialists, including:
 

Our work

The Business Law department's work includes:

• Company law
• Anti-money laundering
• GDPR
• Pensions auto-enrolment
• The Charities SORP
• Better Regulation

Our history

The Business Law Committee is one of ICAEW's oldest committees. Before 1990 it was known variously as the ‘Parliamentary Committee’ and the ‘Parliamentary and Law Committee’.

It was set up to review any legislation that could affect members and the public interest, and if necessary seek to amend that legislation. In the 1880s and 1890s this included legislation on bankruptcy, directors’ liabilities, registration of accountants, trustees, railway accounts, and even public health.

Then as now the committee sought to engage with members, politicians, and other official and professional bodies. It gave expert evidence to government ministers, departments and parliamentary committees. As the work of the committee expanded, sub-committees were formed to consider particular pieces of legislation or more specialist subjects.