Chartered Accountants Ireland have responded to the consultation by IAASA on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.    We believe that ISAE 3000 should be adopted for use for sustainability assurance reporting in Ireland as soon as is practical and that it remains in place until an EU standard is adopted. The first wave of reports will be required in early 2025 therefore it is imperative that a decision is taken quickly. We responded to the IAASB consultation on the proposed new standard ISSA 5000 in December 2023.  We are supportive of the development of this new assurance standard but the timeline for the finalisation and adoption of this standard in the EU means that an interim solution is needed for reporting.  

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, IAASA has issued a revised version of ISA (Ireland) 505 – External Confirmations. The revised standard is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2024 with early adoption permitted.  The Financial Reporting Council has welcomed the culmination of the first phase of the government’s review of non-financial reporting requirements for UK companies which aims to simplify the reporting framework as part of its Smarter Regulation agenda. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The Financial Reporting Council has issued its final amendments to the FRS 102 and FRS 105 accounting standards, which will finalise the periodic review of the standards. The amendments (of which most come into effect from 1 January 2026) include changes to revenue recognition rules under FRS 102 and 105, and changes in the way some leases are measured & recognised under FRS 102. For more information please see our recent news item. The FRC has issued some guidance material relating to the amendments. They are also planning a webinar to discuss the amendments to the standards on 15 May. The International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) deadline for responding to their recent Exposure Draft  Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity Proposed amendments to IAS 32, IFRS 7 and IAS 1 has passed. The Financial Reporting Technical Committee of Chartered Accountants Ireland has issued its response to this consultation, which includes some recommendations to the IASB in finalising the project. The UK Endorsement Board has also published its response to the same consultation. The IASB has announced that it plans to issue its next IFRS standard, IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements, on 9 April 2024. The IASB, in conjunction with the Education Committee and the Financial Reporting Standards Committee of the European Accounting Association (EAA) is holding an education workshop on 22 April to provide an overview of the standard. The IASB has published for public comment the Addendum to the Exposure Draft Third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard, which supplements the exposure draft published in September 2022. The deadline for responding to this consultation is 31 July 2024. The IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) has issued its Q1 2024 podcast. This considers some recent activity, including the treatment of climate related commitments under IAS 37 Provisions Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. IFRIC has also released its March 2024 update. The IFRS Foundation has issued its March 2024 monthly news summary as well as its National Standard Setters Newsletter. The IASB has also issued a March 2024 update and podcast. EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group has extended the deadline for responding to its two surveys on the post-implementation review of IFRS 16. The deadline remains open until 22 April 2024. The UK Endorsement Board has announced some outreach activities to understand UK stakeholder views on IASB’s Exposure Draft Business Combinations – Disclosures, Goodwill and Impairment. The FRC has published its Plan and Budget for 2024-25, outlining its aims for a year of consolidation and prioritisation to support public interest outcomes and UK economic growth. The UK Government has announced its plans to legislate following its non-financial reporting review. The planned measures include a planned increase to the company size thresholds by approximately 50%, as well as other measures designed to streamline and improve reporting requirements. The FRC has welcomed the announcement. The IFRS National Standard Setters March 2024 Newsletter has been issued which features details on the upcoming 2024 World Standard Setters Conference in London and ISSB recent highlights. Auditing IAASA has issued a revised version of ISA (Ireland) 505 – External Confirmations. The main changes to the standard relate to: Clarification on what constitutes an electronic external confirmation. Prohibition on the use of negative external confirmations. Strengthened link with ISA (Ireland) 330 The Auditor’s Responses to Assessed Risks. Enhanced requirements concerning the investigation of exceptions. The revised standard is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2024, with early adoption permitted. The revised ISA (Ireland) 505 is available here. Anti–money laundering and sanctions We have recently prepared an information booklet entitled The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 – Changes in Companies House outlining the first set of changes introduced by Companies House on 4 March 2024. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act gives Companies House, along with the Registrar of Companies for Scotland and the Registrar of Companies for Northern Ireland, the power to play a more significant role in tackling economic crime and supporting economic growth. Over time, its measures will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on its registers. The Dept. Of Justice has recently published Guidelines for Designated Persons supervised by its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit (AMCLU). The purpose of the Guidelines is to assist those Designated Persons supervised by the AMLCU in understanding and meeting their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism obligations under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 as amended and related Statutory Instruments. Please click here for a press release with some further details. Insolvency The CCAB-I Insolvency Committee has recently published Technical Alert - Cross Border Insolvency and Brexit. This Technical Alert considers the impact of Brexit on both the recognition of Irish Insolvency proceedings in the UK and the recognition of UK Insolvency proceedings in Ireland. Sustainability The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued an update on the jurisdictional progress made in adopting the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. This includes details of the countries who are consulting on their adoption, as well as those who have completed their jurisdictional consultations. The ISSB has issued its March 2024 update and podcast. The FRC has announced the launch of its first market study to examine the UK market for sustainability assurance services. The study aims to ensure this rapidly growing market is functioning effectively and providing high quality assurance over companies' sustainability reporting. The GRI has published three new guidance documents to support global policymakers. These documents cover Double Materiality, Due Diligence and the CSRD. The Ministers for Finance and for Public Expenditure recently published the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024. The Bill will provide for the establishment of the two funds in its title. One is the Future Ireland Fund which is for the purpose of supporting State future expenditure pressures including ageing, climate, digitalisation and other fiscal and economic challenges in a consistent and sustainable manner from 2041 onwards. The other is the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund which is for the purpose of supporting State expenditure, in 2026 or any year after that to assist with climate change objectives and nature, water quality and biodiversity issues. The Fund will provide for resources for spending in a future downturn to support expenditure through the economic and fiscal cycle and to support designated environmental projects. Please click here for a press release on the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024 which provides further information. Other news The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has published its third consultation package under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). As part of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)’s review of the UK Stewardship Code 2020, a series of roundtable discussions are being held on the efficacy of the 2020 Code in order to receive feedback on areas for potential improvement and the extent to which the Code continues to meet its stated purpose.  These discussions will run from 26 March to 7 May. The FRC and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) have announced a Memorandum of Understanding on Reciprocal Arrangements (MOURA) making it easier for auditors to work between both countries. The UK’s Financial Intelligence Unit has issued the 25th edition of its SARs in Action magazine which focusses on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, is the first strategy of its kind for Ireland which aims to build a successful and impactful offshore wind energy industry.  It was developed as part of close ongoing collaboration between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other government departments and agencies within the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT). Proposed new company law provisions The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published the General Scheme of Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024 on 15 March 2024. The General Scheme proposes wide ranging changes to the Companies Act 2014. Changes which may be of interest to readers include a change to loss of audit exemption, receiverships, SCARP and winding up, three new grounds for involuntary strike off, changes for Corporate Enforcement Authority and provisions relating to IAASA. You can click here to read an Institute news item giving more detail about the proposed changes. Corporate Enforcement Authority Readers can also find more detailed information on changes that the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024 proposes for the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) in the CEA’s recently published  information note and press statement. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.      This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.    

From the Institute's  Professional Accounting team : Introduction On 15 March 2024, the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE ) published the General Scheme of Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024 (“General Scheme”) to make amendments to Companies Act 2014 (CA 2014).Please click here for the press release on the General Scheme. Click here for the text of the publication and the regulatory impact analysis of the General Scheme. Readers may recall that DETE conducted a public consultation on proposals to enhance the CA 2014 (“Consultation”) last year. The Institute responded to that consultation and you can click here to see the response. The General Scheme is wide ranging, and we set out below some of the proposed provisions which if enacted may be of interest to members. Please also refer to the Corporate Enforcement Authority’s press release and accompanying note dated 15 March 2024 which provides detailed information on proposed enhancements to the CEA’s powers and some proposed new offences. Electronic meetings There are proposals to put electronic participation in meetings on a permanent statutory footing and to include provisions for notices, quorum and proceedings and virtual voting at such meetings. Readers may recall that in December 2023 these provisions which were introduced during the pandemic were temporarily extended to 31 December 2024. Audit exemption A change to the rules regarding the loss of audit exemption for companies which fail to file their annual return on time is proposed. It is proposed that if a small company fails to file its annual return with the Companies Registration Office for a second or subsequent time within a period of 5 consecutive years, then the company will lose its ability to claim audit exemption. The current legal position is that the exemption is lost after one failure to file. This proposal is welcomed by the Institute which has lobbied for some time for the change. The Institute recognises the importance of companies complying with legal obligations as regards the publication of financial information. However, it considers that the loss of audit exemption for two years for a late filing to be an overly punitive sanction. Provisions relating to receivers Some changes relating to receivers are proposed. New provisions are proposed requiring the provision of further information on Form E8 which is filed upon the receiver’s appointment. The further information includes details of nature of assets, date and nature of appointment, information regarding future trading where practicable, and other prescribed information. Also, it is proposed that the time limits for filing the receiver’s abstract (Form E9) upon cessation of acting as receiver and notice of cessation of receiver (Form E11) will now be 7 days. Provisions concerning entitlement to remuneration of receivers are proposed in line with existing provisions in the CA 2014 concerning entitlement of liquidators to remuneration. Members, creditors, and prescribed persons can request information regarding receivers’ terms and fees, and requests must be dealt with within 7 days. It is proposed to extend the existing power of the court to fix remuneration of a receiver. Matters to be taken into account for receivers under these proposals include time spent, complexity of the case, exceptional responsibility on receiver, effectiveness of receiver, value, and nature of the property. This mirrors existing provisions for remuneration for liquidators in the CA 2014. DETE had suggested in the Consultation last year that there is merit in amending the CA 2014 to provide that receivers are subject to minimum qualifications along the lines of the qualification requirements for liquidators as set out in the CA 2014. However, there are no such proposals in the General Scheme. Provisions relating to SCARP The provisions relating to SCARP are largely technical amendments and corrections of the Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021. Much of the amendment is also to make provision to give notifications “in prescribed form” to the Registrar of Companies and court.  An amendment to the section on the process adviser’s (PA) remuneration costs and expenses proposes that the court can ask the PA for a written report where the PA did not make use of the services of the staff and facilities of the company to which they were appointed where the court is considering any matter relating to the PA’s costs, expenses, and remuneration. Winding up Most of the amendments are to make provision to give notifications “in prescribed form” to the Registrar of Companies. The only proposal of note is an amendment to the section of the CA 2014 which imposes an obligation on a liquidator to apply to the Court for the restriction of a director or directors of an insolvent company. The liquidator may be relieved of this obligation by the CEA. The proposed amendment is to make explicit that the obligation on liquidators endures all the way through to the end, which includes to the end of all appeals proceedings against restriction orders. Strike off and restoration Three new grounds for involuntary strike off are proposed, failure to notify of a change in registered office, no current company secretary recorded and failure to deliver beneficial ownership information. There are some consequential amendments proposed on foot of the three new proposed strike off grounds. These three new proposed grounds will not give rise to disqualification of the directors and the new proposals include the steps to be taken to avert continuation of the strike off under the three new grounds. Provisions relating to the Corporate Enforcement Authority Changes include for example mechanisms for the CEA to receive details of restriction and disqualification orders and reliefs to restricted persons more quickly than at present. An amendment is proposed to section 393 of the CA 2014. This section requires an auditor to notify the CEA if during the course of an audit the auditor comes into possession of information leading them to form the opinion that there are reasonable grounds to believe a category 1 or 2 offence under the CA 2014 has been committed. The amendment requires the auditor to furnish the CEA with copy books and documents or extracts (the current provisions require grant of access to books and documents) and a signed assurance from the audit partner that they are exact copies. New offences of obstruction and intimidation are proposed. Please see the CEA press statement issued 15 March 2024 and accompanying note for a fuller summary of the proposals of the General Scheme which relate to the CEA. Provisions relating to IAASA It is proposed that IAASA will have power to issue an interim notice imposing restrictions on a statutory auditor that a possible relevant contravention has been committed and that it is appropriate in the public interest to do so .Relevant contraventions could be but are not limited to failure to obtain sufficient evidence to support an issued audited opinion, repeated significant deficiencies in standards of audit work or significant breach(es) of independence or ethics rules. IAASA will invite and consider submissions received from the restricted person and will within 21 days either confirm vary or revoke the interim notice. The restrictions remain in place until the investigation is complete. An interim notice will be reviewed every 6 months or a shorter period and automatically expires after 18 months unless a further interim notice is issued. IAASA will be required to make regulations regarding procedures to be followed under this proposal. Other Other miscellaneous proposals which might be of interest is a section whereby a company can provide voluntary information in its annual return on gender balance of its board of directors. The information would be collected for statistical purposes only. There are also proposals for multi located execution of documents and a proposed amendment so that weekends and public holidays are excluded from the time counted towards the minimum 48 hour notice required to appoint proxies. This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.  

IAASA has issued a revised version of ISA (Ireland) 505 – External Confirmations. The main changes to the standard relate to: Clarification on what constitutes an electronic external confirmation. Prohibition on the use of negative external confirmations. Strengthened link with ISA (Ireland) 330 The Auditor’s Responses to Assessed Risks. Enhanced requirements concerning the investigation of exceptions. The revised standard is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2024, with early adoption permitted. The revised ISA (Ireland) 505 is available here.

Background The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (the Department) has recently issued a document1 “Guidance Note for Core Funding Reporting Requirements Transitional Arrangements Year 1 and 2” (“the Department Guidance Note”) to entities providing childcare and early education services regarding the transitional arrangements for the application for funding under a new funding model called ‘Together for Better’.  These transitional arrangements will be in place for the next two reporting periods (years ended 31 August 2023 and 31 August 2024). Reporting regime This reporting regime includes a requirement that the childcare service providers (“client”) engage a professional accountant to submit a document called an ‘Income and Expenditure Template. CCAB-I have made the Department aware of the potential cost implications for an accountant providing this service to their client.  The following matters should be noted: The report is to cover expenses incurred on a cash basis for the year ended 31 August. The requirement is for expenditure incurred in the relevant period only, no accruals or prepayments. Income will be pre-populated in the online platform. Where your client has a different year end, time apportionment is not permitted. Important considerations for CCAB-I members CCAB-I has engaged with the Department over a number of months to discuss the nature and extent of work expected and the respective responsibilities of the client and the professional accountant and, in particular, the concerns regarding the request for the professional accountant to submit the report (as set out in the Department Guidance Note) on behalf of a client. There was positive engagement and much, but not all, of the feedback by CCAB-I on the process was reflected and incorporated into the final guidance. However, given the type of engagement, CCAB-I are making members aware of the potential issues and extant guidance which our members may consult. The Department Guidance Note sets out the responsibility for the data included in the report. See section 2 of the Guidance Note: “The Service Provider is responsible for fully complying with all financial transparency requirements in accordance with their Core Funding contractual obligations. The accountant relies on information provided by the Service Provider, who is responsible for disclosing all relevant information.” The Service Provider/client will make an online declaration on the platform provided by the Department that they have authorised a professional accountant2 to make the submission for them.  CCAB-I members are reminded of the relevant Code of Ethics issued by their professional body.  Independence The Department Guidance Note3 defines an accountant as someone who: "(a) has been admitted as, and is, a member of a prescriber accountancy body, (b) is currently practicing in the profession of accountant, (c) is not and never has been a principal officer or employee, or an owner or part owner, of the licensee in respect of whom he or she is preparing an accountant’s report, and (d) is maintaining such minimum level of professional indemnity insurance as is required by the prescribed accountancy body concerned." .Members should be cognisant of any conflicts with other engagements they may undertake for their clients.  When you are the Auditor  Where the accountant is the statutory auditor the Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland)4 applies and Section 5.129 prohibits the audit firm providing accounting services where the services would involve the firm undertaking part of the role of management or initiating transactions.  "S 1.24           In the case of a statutory audit, non-audit services shall not be provided that involve playing any part in management decision-taking of an entity relevant to an engagement. The firm shall not accept any engagement which includes the provision of services where it is probable that an objective, reasonable and informed third party would conclude that the firm or a covered person was playing a part in management decision-taking.  5.128          The provision of accounting services by the firm to an entity relevant to an engagement creates threats to the integrity, objectivity and independence of the firm and covered persons, principally self-review and management threats, the significance of which depends on the nature and extent of the accounting services in question and the level of public interest in the entity. 5.129            The firm shall not provide accounting services to an entity relevant to an engagement where: (a) the entity is a listed entity, relevant to an engagement by the firm, or a significant affiliate of such an entity; or (b) for any other entity: those accounting services would involve the firm undertaking part of the role of management, or initiating transactions; or the services are anything other than of a routine or mechanical nature, requiring little or no professional judgment.” When you are not the Auditor We recommend that members read the Department Guidance Note1 and that an appropriate letter of engagement and representation letter are in place where they undertake these engagements.  Members should refer to guidance documents issued by Chartered Accountants Ireland.  TA 06/2023 Grant Claims5 and the International Standard on Related Service ISRS 4400 (Revised) Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements6 which give guidance on engagement acceptance and continuance and some general advice on agreeing the terms of engagement.  1 https://earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/downloads/download-corefunding/   2 A professional accountant is defined as a member of a Prescribed Accountancy Body that comes within the supervisory remit of IAASA, •              Chartered Accountants Ireland. (CAI) •              Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) •              CPA Ireland (CPA) •              Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)  3 See Section of Guidance Note for Core Funding Reporting Requirements Transitional Arrangements Year 1 and 2. 4 https://iaasa.ie/wp-content/uploads/docs/media/IAASA/Documents/audit-standards/Ethical-Standard-Consultation/Ethical_Standard_Nov_2020_updated_June_3.pdf 5 https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/chariot/account/ta/TA06_2023.html 6 https://www.iaasb.org/publications/international-standard-related-services-isrs-4400-revised  

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments this week, the Financial Reporting Council has announced its support for a four-week consultation launched this week aimed at tackling the backstop in local audit and reporting.  The consultation will gather views on legislative changes to the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. The UK Companies House is hosting a webinar on 22 February on getting ready for changes to UK company law. They will discuss the first set of changes including new rules for registered office addresses and new lawful purpose statements. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Auditing The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has published proposed revisions to ISA 240 The Auditors Responsibilities Relating To Fraud In An Audit Of Financial Statements. The proposals aim to strengthen the standard on auditors’ responsibilities related to fraud by defining the expectations in relation to fraud, delineating more robust procedures, and increasing transparency about the auditors’ responsibilities and fraud-related procedures in the auditor’s report. During the consultation period IAASB will release a videos series to help stakeholders understand the proposed revisions and respondents are encouraged to share their insights by June 5, 2024. IAASA undertakes statutory enquiries and investigations under the companies act 2014 and its own regulations. From time to time, IAASA may need to establish committees to carry out full enquiries/investigations. IAASA is seeking potential members and advisors to enquiry/investigation committees. Expressions of interest are sought by 4 March 2024. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced its support for a four-week consultation launched this week aimed at tackling the backstop in local audit and reporting.  The consultation will gather views on legislative changes to the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. Financial Reporting The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has released a webinar which introduces IFRS 18, which is expected to be issued in April 2024.  This new Accounting Standard, which will replace IAS 1, will respond to investors’ demand for better information about companies’ financial performance. This will introduce new subtotals, disclosures about performance measures as well as enhanced guidance on aggregation and disaggregation for IFRS reporters. The new standard is expected to be effective from 1 January 2027. The IASB has also released a short webinar addressing the proposals in their Exposure Draft Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity. The IFRS Foundation has published its January 2024 monthly news summary. ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, has published the latest edition of its Spotlight on the Market Newsletter. The UK Endorsement Board (UKEB) has published a Draft Endorsement Criteria Assessment (DECA) on Lack of Exchangeability (Changes to IAS 21). In August 2023, the International Accounting Standards Board published Lack of Exchangeability, which amended IAS 21 The Effect of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. UKEB are inviting comments on the DECA by 6 May 2024. The UKEB has issued a draft comment letter on the IASB Exposure Draft Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity. This is open for public comments until 8th March 2024. UKEB has also published its final comment letter in response to the IFRS Interpretations Committee’s (IFRIC) Tentative Agenda Decision: Climate-related Commitments (IAS 37). While agreeing with the overall conclusion of IFRIC, the UKEB have suggested some amendments to enhance the clarity of the technical analysis to avoid unintended consequences. EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, have released their January 2024 update which summarises public technical discussions held and decisions taken during the month. EFRAG has launched a survey to seek input from various stakeholders in preparation for the IASB’s upcoming request for information on the post implementation review of IFRS 16 Leases. The FRC has published a revised version of Actuarial Standard Technical Memorandum 1 (AS TM1) which is effective from 6 April 2024.  Anti–money laundering Issue 24 of SARs in Action is out now, a special issue on UKFIU support for SAR reporters. From virtual workshops to 1-2-1 feedback sessions, the UKFIU’s Reporter Engagement Team have a variety of support options available to SAR reporters, all of which are listed inside this magazine. Also, within issue 24, find updates on the SAR Portal, changes to Companies House and read about the National Investigation Service (NATIS) investigations into the misuse of COVID business support grants. Sustainability EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group has released the first set of technical explanations to assist stakeholders in the implementation of the ESRS. Last year, EFRAG launched its ESRS Q&A platform to collect and answer technical questions. The platform is a useful resource for CSRD reporters and will be updated with further responses in future. EFRAG is hosting an outreach event on 20th February which will provide an overview of the two exposure drafts on sustainability reporting standards for SMEs which were released recently. Other news In a recent blog Company Bureau Formations, a company formation and corporate service practice, provided information which readers may find useful on “Understanding CRO submission rejections 10 key factors”. It provides a list of 10 key pitfalls to avoid which could otherwise lead to a CRO submission being returned including incorrect PPSN and director’s name mismatch with PPSN details. Click here to read more details on the pitfalls. UK Companies House is hosting a webinar on Thursday 22 February at 10:30am to 11am on getting ready for changes to UK company law. They will discuss the first set of changes, including new rules for registered office addresses, a requirement for all companies to supply a registered email address and new lawful purpose statements. They will also share information about future changes and an expert panel will be available to answer questions. Click here to register for the webinar. Accountancy Europe, along with a group of European Businesses, have issued a joint statement calling for the deepening of the EU single market and renewing the dynamic of European integration. The joint statement also includes some recommendations to overcome some of the obstacles identified. The Dept. Of Finance has recently (February 2024) published its Economic Insights – Spring 2024. The report provides analysis and insights on topical economic issues and developments in a collection of short notes. The Minister for Justice has recently appointed 2 new Data Protection Commissioners to replace the outgoing commissioner. The appointments will take effect from 20 February 2024, for a five-year term. The press release states that the Data Protection Commission has grown significantly in size, scope and responsibility over the last decade and following a review by the Department of Justice into how best to support this growth, the Government decided to appoint two additional Commissioners who were selected following an open competition. Read the full press release here. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.                    This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.