top stories

Delegates enjoy two days of networking, seminars and workshops

21 Mar 2009

ACCA recently hosted its latest teachers' conference, which was attended by Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East.
 
Clare Minchington, ACCA executive director - learning and customer service, welcomed delegates to the event in Manchester, UK, and began by outlining ACCA's values. 'Many of our students and members have a strong emotional investment in their relationship with ACCA,' she said. 'This investment and connection is a result of their belief in our values, so it is important that we continue to embody them in everything we do…They very much underpin our strategy.' 

Delegates also heard presentations by Aude Leonetti, ACCA director of education and professional development, who provided details on the outcome of the recent tuition provider survey and the December 2008 exam session, and Catherine Edwards, ACCA head of qualifications, who discussed the integration of ACCA's practical experience requirement (PER) with the exams.

The various workshops at the conference included sessions on the changes to the Certified Accounting Technician qualification taking place in June 2009 and the review of the course for implementation in 2011, ACCA's Professional Skills course, and the Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English. A masterclass in Paper F5, Performance Management, also revealed ways in which ALPs can guide their students through this challenging exam.
 
Speaking at the conference dinner, Helen Brand, ACCA chief executive, outlined her key priorities for ACCA's development, which includes the Fit for the Customer programme - ACCA's new customer service strategy. During her speech, she also emphasised the key role ALPs play in creating members. 'It gives me a welcome opportunity to say a sincere thank you to all of you for the pivotal role you play in supporting ACCA students and creating ACCA members,' she said.

The conference closed with an open forum session which gave delegates the opportunity to pose general questions to a panel of ACCA experts.