Welcome to this ICAEW Insights podcast, where we analyse the latest news from the world of accountancy, business and finance.

On the show we speak to Eleanor Fairford, the National Cyber Security Centre’s Deputy Director for Incident Management, about the rising tide of ransomware, and how chartered accountants can protect themselves and their businesses.

ICAEW Tax Faculty’s Lindsey Wicks outlines the details of the government’s new health and social care levy and talks us through the Office for Tax Simplification’s report on the costs and benefits of moving tax year away from 5 April.

And ahead of Charity Fraud Awareness Week (18 – 22 October 2021), Mia Campbell, Head of Fraud Advisory Panel and Kristina Kopic, Head of Charity and Voluntary Sector, ICAEW tell us about fraud in the sector, how the pandemic has changed criminals’ behaviour, and how charities should react if the worst happens.

Links to resources discussed in the show:
- PM confirms 1.25% increase to NIC and dividend tax rates.
- Government to fast-track rules enacting healthcare levy.
- OTS provides valuable insights on changing the tax year.
- COVID sick pay rebate scheme ends on 30 September.
- The Charity Fraud Awareness Week website.
- Managing the risk of fraud and financial crime – an overview for charities.
- ICAEW virtual event on Charity Governance.
- The National Cyber Security Centre website.
- The growing threat of ransomware.

Host:
Tom Herbert, online editor ICAEW Insights, We Are Sunday

Guests:
- Lindsey Wicks, Technical Editor, ICAEW Tax Faculty.
- Eleanor Fairford, Deputy Director for Incident Management, the National Cyber Security Centre.
- Mia Campbell, Head of Fraud Advisory Panel.
- Kristina Kopic, Head of Charity and Voluntary Sector, ICAEW.

Producer:
Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 23 September 2021
Podcast recorded: 15 September 2021 (ransomware section) and 21 September 2021 (tax and charity fraud sections)