The objectives of the Emerging Issues and Outreach Committee (EIOC) are to:

(a) To identify developments in the external environment around the world, outside of the Board’s strategic planning process, that may have implications for the Board’s strategy and work plan, require Board action or otherwise merit Board attention; and

b) To advise the Board on ways to enhance the effectiveness of the Board’s outreach efforts, including with respect to the scope and focus of, and general approach to, its outreach activities.

The objectives of the Technology initiative are to:

(a)         Identify potential ethical implications of technology developments on the robustness and relevance of the fundamental principles and independence standards, including both challenges to compliance with requirements under the Code as well as ways in which technologies could be used to support and enhance compliance. The WG will assess these implications in the context of both professional accountants in business and professional accountants in public practice.

To coordinate topics of mutual interests between the IAASB and IESBA, including in particular in relation to the development of the independent Boards strategy and work plans.  The IAASB-IESBA Coordination representatives actively monitor the IAASB’s work to determine whether if it has implications for the Code.

The IESBA Coordination Team helps to develop the agenda for the annual IAASB-IESBA Joint Plenary Meeting, and as appropriate recommends conforming or consequential amendments for the Code as a result of the IAASB’s projects.

The IESBA’s eCode initiative is intended to support the adoption and effective implementation of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the revised and restructured Code).

The objective of the IESBA’s Rollout initiative is to promote awareness of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the revised and restructured Code) and support its adoption and effective implementation. Key rollout out activities include:

The IESBA has undertaken a project to review and compare the terms and concepts in the revised and restructured Code (specifically the International Independence Standards, Part 4B – Independence for Other Assurance Engagements Other than Audit and Review Engagements) and the IAASB’s ISAE 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information.

The objective of the IESBA’s Non-assurance Services (NAS) project is to is to ensure that all the NAS provisions in the Code are robust and of high quality for global application, thereby increasing confidence in the independence of audit firms. The project scope will encompass the International Independence Standards related to the provision of NAS to audit clients.

Every year, IFAC develops a work plan for the Member Body Compliance Program that is consistent with IFAC’s strategy. This work plan is developed with advice and oversight from the Compliance Advisory Panel.

In keeping with IFAC’s planned Program review during 2019 to ensure a fit-for-purpose approach to quality membership, the Compliance strategy for 2016-2018 was extended through 2019. Therefore, the Program continues its focus in three core areas.

On December 19, 2018, IFAC will host a one-hour webinar on a future model for advancing international accountancy education in the public interest. The webinar will preview planning to date and provide an outline of the model prior to approval and implementation in 2019.

This model is aimed at ensuring the global accountancy profession addresses the challenges stemming from a rapidly changing environment by harnessing a comprehensive and integrated approach.

To include as many interested parties as possible, the webinar will be available at two times (registration required):

• December 19, 2018, 0800 EST
• December 19, 2018, 1800 EST

The transition from the current structure to a future model was announced by IFAC and the International Accounting Education Standards Board in August 2018, followed by the creation of the International Accountancy Education Transition Advisory Group to advise on the model’s development and transition plans.