In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss professional ethics and seek to answer the age-old question: why do good people do bad things?

Accountants are increasingly acting as an ethical compass for their employers and clients. It’s a natural fit for a profession that has a deep understanding of business and a professional duty to act in the public interest, but it’s also a weighty responsibility where situations aren’t always black-and-white.

To discuss how accountants can best inhabit this role, as well as ensuring they are acting ethically themselves, host Philippa Lamb is joined by Laura Hough, ICAEW director of trust and ethics, and Christopher Cowton, emeritus professor at the University of Huddersfield and associate of the Institute of Business Ethics.

Links 

• ICAEW Ethics hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/trust-and-ethics/ethics
• ICAEW technical and ethics support: https://www.icaew.com/membership/support-throughout-your-career/technical-and-ethics-support 
• ICAEW Continuing Professional Development: https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd 

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Laura Hough, director, trust and ethics, ICAEW
• Christopher Cowton, emeritus professor, University of Huddersfield; associate, Institute of Business Ethics

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 29 September 2023
Podcast recorded: 11 September 2023