Competition is proving fierce for the title of ICAEW vice president for the term of 2012/13
Four stalwarts of the institute’s council have thrown their hats into the ring and are seeking votes to become the most junior officeholder when current president Clive Parritt steps down in June.
The contenders include Arthur Bailey, a consultant with Begbies Traynor Group and non-executive director; Ian Davies, a portfolio NED and chair; Nick Parker, regional director of tax with Tenon; and Nathan Steinberg, a partner in Munslows plc and an NED.
Bailey, a former president of the Staffs, Salop and Wolverhampton district society, has been on council for 14 years. He served as chairman of council from 2005 to 2008 and is now a member of the institute’s board. If elected, he says he will engage directly with the membership and seek to ‘provide positive leadership’ and ‘robust challenge’ to meet the significant challenges and opportunities that ICAEW currently faces.
A former Southern district society president, Davies is also on the institute’s board, as well as council. He sees the VP role as ‘reinforcing and developing recognition of the institute as the first port of call for cogent, considered and constructive comment’ and ensuring that its members feel able to contribute to institute affairs.
Another former Southern DS president, Parker has been on council for 17 years and is currently chair of council and the committee of council. He sees the role of an officeholder as an ambassador to promote ICAEW both nationally and internationally. He would make members aware of ‘our achievements, make them proud and encourage them to promote our institute to the wider business community’.
The fourth contender, London Society committee member Steinberg, sees major challenges to the profession coming from European Union and UK regulators: ‘We must push against these regulators which seek to dilute the institute’s powers.’ He also wants to see the institute pursue its international aspirations with vigour.
The result of the ballot among council members will be announced on Monday (6 February).
Julia Irvine