News

The EU Directive 2026/470, which amends the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), was published in the EU Official Journal on 26 February 2026. Part of the Omnibus I package, the Directive aims to streamline and simplify the EU’s sustainability reporting framework. It will take effect 20 days later, with Member States required to transpose its provisions into national law within 12 months. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will be responsible for transposing the Directive in Ireland. The Directive also introduces updates to the CSDDD, with those elements to be transposed by 26 July 2028. Overall, the changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens, increase efficiency, and offer greater flexibility to companies while supporting the EU’s broader competitiveness goals. Please see our recent article in Accountancy Ireland for further details.

Core Funding is a grant scheme provided directly to Early Learning and Childcare service providers administered by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (the Department). Under the Core Funding Partner Service Agreement, all service providers that had an active core funding contract during the 1 September 2024 - 31 August 2025 programme year (Year 3) must engage a qualified professional accountant to submit a financial return.  The returns must be submitted by 31 March 2026. The Department requires that these financial returns must be submitted by a qualified professional accountant. The accountant can be an employee of the provider (if certain conditions are met) or an independent qualified accountant who holds a Practising Certificate (PC) and professional indemnity insurance.  Accountants linked to childcare service providers will have received a letter (attached)  from the Department this week outlining the steps to complete and submit the financial returns.  For the 2024/2025 programme year (Year 3), accountants will need to submit a trial balance prepared at site level using accruals-based accounting. Submission of the trial balance prepared using accruals-based accounting is a change for Year 3 given that returns submitted in Years 1 and 2 used cash-based accounting. The Department’s portal website  www.cfcrrs.ie  is now open for submission of the financial returns and guidance documents for Year 3 have been added to Department's Early Years Hive website. Members can read further information and links to some further guidance on our dedicated webpage.

Minister Jack Chambers has announced that a new Regulatory Simplification Unit has been set up to support faster delivery of critical infrastructure projects. It comes after the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce found that the pre-planning stage for major infrastructure projects is taking too long.  As part of a roundtable event on the NDP, that the Institute held with members last year, the issue of bottlenecks in the planning of infrastructure projects was discussed. It is encouraging to see items from the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan implemented in the first quarter of 2026 – this prioritisation reflects urgency, which is extremely welcome.   The new Regulatory Simplification Unit will: Conduct a risk-based review of the current regulatory landscape. This will involve analysing and mapping existing processes and conducting workshops with the bodies involved in consenting, permitting and licensing to identify and remove bottlenecks.  Identify opportunities to enhance cooperation and streamline processes for more effective delivery of the National Development Plan; and  Focus on simplifying and improving the complex consenting, permitting and licensing systems across critical infrastructure sectors that support housing delivery – energy, transport and water infrastructure.  The establishment of the Unit marks the commencement of Action 9 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, which aims to support the simplification of overlapping and unduly complex regulatory frameworks.    

Research carried out by Amárach research on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has found that more than four in five businesses (85 percent) say sustainability is important to the day-to-day running of their business. The findings of the second phase of SME Sustainability Research – Wave 2 were announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD and are in line with the previous year’s findings. Read more. The survey of 344 SMEs shows that two in five had taken steps such as insulating their buildings or changing their windows in the past two years to improve their energy efficiency. Other findings were that ‘making a positive difference’ (35 percent) and saving money (34 percent) were the top motivations for businesses in becoming sustainable. Just over a quarter of business say that climate change is currently affecting their operations, rising significantly among larger firms and those operating for more than 20 years. Among affected businesses, adverse weather is now the dominant impact, reflecting the growing reality of extreme weather events. Most sustainability action is concentrated in practical, cost-effective areas: waste reduction (49%), energy efficiency (44%), and renewable energy adoption (33%) remain the most common measures adopted by businesses. The main barrier for organisations to act more sustainably remained upfront investment costs (22%), although at a lower rate compared to 2024. Commenting Minister Burke said by doing so these businesses would also be cutting their energy costs and would become more competitive, and urged SMEs to avail of the Local Enterprise Offices’ Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and the SEAI’s Building Energy Upgrade Scheme (BEUS) to buy energy efficient equipment and to retrofit their buildings. In 2025, 681 small business were approved for the EEG at estimated value of €5.7 million, while 186 BEUS grants with an estimated value of €3.36 million were approved. Minister Burke also advised businesses to use the Government’s free toolkit - ClimateToolkit4Business.gov.ie – to measure their carbon emissions, as by estimating their environmental impact, SMEs can start to tackle it. The ClimateToolkit4Business.gov.ie is a government initiative designed to help business cut carbon emissions and energy costs. It is a joint initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE). This year’s survey also included questions on the potential of the circular economy to Irish businesses, with Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon TD pointing to the value businesses are seeing in re-using, recycling and minimising waste. The Government of Ireland has this week launched Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028, setting out the national plan to accelerate Ireland’s transition from a linear ‘take make waste’ model to a circular, sustainable economy. Commenting Susan Rossney, Sustainability Advocacy Manager with Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “We welcome the findings of this research that sustainability is important to 85% of the businesses surveyed. SMEs are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, accounting for over 99% of all businesses and employing a significant portion of the workforce. With their size and agility, they are uniquely positioned to innovate and implement sustainable practices quickly. But they face challenges in what can be a complex and potentially resource-intensive transition. Without coordinated support, many SMEs risk being left behind. Considering their prominence in the business landscape of the region, this in turn undermines regional efforts to meet climate and biodiversity targets.”  

In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, read about the research showing that Irish SMEs consider sustainability important, Ireland’s new Circular Economy Strategy 2026–2028, a major review of regulations to address delays in infrastructure delivery, developments in transport, and a call for greater focus on resilience across SMEs and communities. Final UK Sustainability Reporting Standards have published, along with CBAM consultations in Northern Ireland, while the EU has adopted amendments to CSRD and CSDDD. This, plus the latest articles, technical content, resources and upcoming events. IRELAND Vast majority of Irish SMEs say sustainability is important Research carried out by Amárach research on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has found that more than four in five businesses (85 percent) say sustainability is important to the day-to-day running of their business. The findings of the second phase of SME Sustainability Research – Wave 2 were announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD and are in line with the previous year’s findings. Read more Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028 The Government of Ireland has launched Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028, setting out the national plan to accelerate Ireland’s transition from a linear ‘take make waste’ model to a circular, sustainable economy.  The strategy aims to enhance Ireland’s ability to keep materials and products in use for longer, reduce waste and enable circular innovation across every sector of society. This, it states, will build resilience in supply chains, lower emissions, and strengthen Ireland's competitiveness as part of its broader climate and green enterprise agenda. The Strategy builds on the policy foundations including the Circular Economy Act 2022, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020), the Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030. Major review of regulations to tackle barriers to infrastructure delivery to commence The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD has established a new Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification Unit in his Department to support the speedier delivery of critical infrastructure projects. The establishment of the Unit marks the commencement of Action 9 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, which aims to support the simplification of overlapping and unduly complex regulatory frameworks – the complexity of which is leading to delays in the delivery of critical infrastructure. Minister Chambers will direct officials to issue a circular to all Departments and Regulatory Bodies setting out Principles for Better Regulation in the coming weeks. Funding announced under new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with €9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. Separately, a November 2025 European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, updated on 20 February, has revealed that air pollution from shipping and aviation is rising, with consequences on health and on Europe’s economy due to increased healthcare costs, reduced life expectancy, and lost working days across sectors. It also damages vegetation and ecosystems, water and soil quality, and local ecosystems, with consequent economic and financial impacts. Report finds that resilience of SMEs, households, communities needs focus A new report from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has found that resilience of households, communities and SMEs needs more focus from Government. The report, Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System, the fourth in a series on the topic of energy policy to be published in 2025, examines the energy sector in Ireland using ‘systems thinking tools’ to identify approaches to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system. The report calls on Ireland to “urgently reduce GHG emissions” by substantially reducing overall fossil fuel use, deploying low-emission energy sources, switching to alternative energy carriers, and engaging in energy efficiency and conservation (as recommend by the IPCC in 2022), p28). Despite many plans and strategies in place, Ireland is not on track to meet its climate and energy targets. NORTHERN IRELAND/UK Final UK Sustainability Reporting Standards publish The UK government has published the final UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) for voluntary use in the UK. The standards are based on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. ‘UK SRS S1’ and ‘UK SRS S2’ set out a framework for corporate disclosures. UK SRS S1 includes the general framework for applying UK SRS, as well as requirements on general sustainability-related risks and opportunities. UK SRS S2 sets out requirements on climate-related risks and opportunities. UK CBAM: consultation, guidance and workshops HMRC is seeking to gather feedback from stakeholders on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the drafting of the draft secondary legislation to ensure that it delivers the policy correctly and effectively for the tax to operate as intended and provide for administrative matters. CBAM will place a carbon price on specified goods imported to the UK from sectors that are at risk of carbon leakage. It takes effect from 1 January 2027. This technical consultation sets out the draft secondary legislation that will come into effect on 1 January 2027 alongside Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) being introduced. Any responses to or queries about this consultation should be sent by email to cbampolicyteam@hmrc.gov.uk by 11:59pm on 24 March 2026, using the subject line ‘CBAM technical consultation response’ and clearly referencing the relevant parts of the legislation. Separately, Invest NI has produced business guidance which explains the EU and UK CBAM rules. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was introduced in 2023 and is fully in place from 2026. It outlines what information you need to collect, who you need to share it with, and the key dates to plan for, and provides a practical toolkit, including checklists, carbon calculators, and templates, to help you prepare and manage the process more easily. Invest NI is also running workshops to provide Northern Ireland businesses with a clear overview of CBAM and who it applies to, guidance on data, documentation and reporting and practical next steps to support clients and internal teams. EUROPE CSRD and CSDDD amendments published in Official Journal The amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) have been officially published in the Official Journal of the EU, exactly one year from when the Commission presented its proposal on 26 February 2025. This marks the formal legal step following the Council’s vote, and starts the timeline toward entry into force and national transposition. There are now 20 days before it becomes effective and can be transposed into national laws. Member States have 12 months to transpose the CSRD-related amendments into national law. CSDDD changes must be implemented by July 26, 2028.   Industrial transformation and decarbonisation developments in Europe A new briefing from the European Environment Agency (EEA) 'Zero pollution, decarbonisation and circular economy in energy-intensive industries' has found that energy-intensive industries account for around 27 percent of EU industrial greenhouse gas emissions and a large share of key air pollutants, including sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The analysis focuses on key energy-intensive sectors: iron and steel, cement and lime, aluminium, pulp and paper, glass and clay, and chemicals and analyses long-term trends in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. It also projects air pollutant emission reductions and outlines pathways that could support further progress. Separately, European Movement Ireland has produced a ‘Just the Facts’ overview on the Industrial Accelerator Act. Formerly known as the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), aims to help energy-intensive industries (EIIs) in Europe continue to decarbonise while maintaining their competitiveness internationally. The factsheet provides the IAA’s core objectives and measures, as well as key challenges to implementation – notably reported divisions over “Made in EU” criteria and tensions between the competitiveness and sustainability agendas.  WORLD New analysis on the state-of-play for air pollution reporting A deep-dive study on the pollution disclosure practices of publicly listed companies around the world finds that measurable emissions data and information on individual pollutants are uneven or lacking. The air pollution reporting gap: Evidence from 1,000 organizations across high-emitting sectors, produced by GRI with support from the Clean Air Fund, examines 2023-2024 sustainability reports spanning eight sectors. Key insights include that companies talk about air pollution more than they measure it, most businesses do not disclose pollutants known to impact health and the environment, higher quality reporting is provided by organisations that use global standards and reporting practices vary sector by sector. The analysis also highlights signs of progress, with some companies expanding the range of pollutants they track over time. RESOURCES Accountancy Europe Sustainability Update Accountancy Europe has released its February 2026 sustainability update. Key highlights:  European Central Bank issues opinion on revised ESRS European Commission updates its request to CEAOB for technical advice on limited assurance standard Council to greenlight agreement on Omnibus Directive Accounting for Sustainability  The latest issue of Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)’s newsletter has published. Key highlights: 100% adoption of sustainability principles across the UK Bulk Annuity market Tackling scope 3 emissions: a step-by-step case study with Vodafone How transition planning can shape Japan’s corporate strategy: six insights for 2026 Global benchmarks highlight finance leadership in action In case you missed it: a Q&A with DHL Group's Corporate Sustainability CFO demonstrates how finance is at the centre of transition planning ARTICLES Irish Examiner: Gender balance still a priority but many businesses cutting DEI budgets  Irish Times: Demand for electricity to increase by nearly one-fifth over next 10 years ICAEW Insights: Government publishes UK Sustainability Reporting Standards  EVENTS Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society, Legal Webinar: Green Loans and Reporting Requirements This webinar with Hannah McDaid and Katie Britton from A&L Goodbody will provide an update on the fast-evolving landscape of green loans, highlighting key legal developments and the principles driving the loan market. A&L Goodbody will provide an overview of the reporting requirements for borrowers, external verification options for green projects, the distinction between green and sustainability-linked loans and the significance of qualitative vs quantitative indicators. Speakers will explore operational impacts on borrowers and include an overview of the regulatory and risk landscape. Virtual, via Zoom | Tuesday 3 March, 1pm - 2pm |Free, but registration required Chartered Accountants Ireland, ICAS, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: What you need to know Join us at a webinar on Thursday 12 March on Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: What you need to know.  Learn how CBAM currently operates and what its implementation is revealing in practice. Virtual, 12 March, 11am-12pm. UN Global Compact Network UK Webinar Series, The Business Role in Systems Change, Feb/Mar 2026 Businesses are facing escalating risks as the world approaches critical tipping points. Corporate resilience now depends on the transformation of markets, supply chains, and business models needed to steer the system towards stability. There is also potential for positive tipping points - moments when small, well-directed actions accelerate large-scale transitions towards sustainability. Businesses hold a unique capacity to create and amplify these dynamics of change. In these webinars, leading scholars and experts will discuss tipping points, climate risk, and systems change, how to respond to emerging climate realities and apply breakthrough frameworks such as the Positive Tipping Points Toolkit and Doughnut Economics to unlock change at multiple scales.   Webinar sessions: Understanding Tipping Points Risks, Feb 26  | 14:00 Systems Thinking in Business and Climate, Mar 5  | 14:00 Triggering Positive Tipping Points, Mar 12 | 14:00 Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSDDD and performing due diligence This webinar will feature insights from the Shift team and leading businesses on practical, real‑world approaches to implementing due diligence aligned with good practice. The session will explore how due diligence requirements under the CSDDD and reporting obligations under the CSRD can be addressed in an integrated way, rather than treated as separate exercises. Companies in scope of the CSDDD or operating within their value chains are encouraged to attend. Virtual, Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 09:00 SEAI, EXEED Energy Efficient Design Training Join our exclusive free half-day training and become a leader in energy-efficient design. The SEAI EXEED team invites you to a dynamic training session designed to upskill professionals and stakeholders in the Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) process. This training is ideal for those aiming to become an Energy Efficient Design (EED) Expert. Virtual, Friday 27 February, 9am - 1pm Enterprise Ireland, Sustainability Kickstarter Workshops A half‑day workshop series designed to support business leaders in recognising the strategic importance of sustainability and decarbonisation. The sessions provide practical skills to integrate core sustainability principles, identify competitive opportunities, and build actionable plans to meet rising customer expectations for sustainable products and services. Workshops | Dates & Times • Friday, 27 February 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 20 March 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 17 April 2026 | Half‑day workshop • Friday, 8 May 2026 | Half‑day workshop Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSRD and reporting on sustainability issues The session will examine what recent changes to the CSRD and the ESRS mean in practice for how companies report on sustainability issues.  The webinar will feature insights from the Shift team, alongside leading businesses, on implementation approaches that reflect good practice, support companies in identifying and addressing key risks, and remain practical and workable in real-world contexts. The discussion will also explore how reporting obligations under the CSRD and due diligence requirements under the CSDDD should be considered together, rather than in isolation.  If your company is in scope of the CSRD, or part of the value chain of a company that is, we encourage you to join us. Virtual, 3 March 2026 | 15:00 Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, What Does ‘Good’ Look Like in Corporate Reporting? The final session in the Pentland Centre’s free webinar series for SMEs explores what effective reporting on nature and biodiversity looks like. Drawing on global examples, this webinar highlights best practices and practical approaches for integrating nature and biodiversity into corporate reporting. Virtual, Thursday 12 March 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.  

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued amendments to FRS 102 which update the framework a company uses when adapting the format of their balance sheet and profit and loss account. Following a consultation period last year, the FRC has introduced changes to FRS 102 to reflect the replacement of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements with IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements. IFRS 18 is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2027. Company law gives certain entities the option to adapt the format used for its balance sheet and/or profit and loss account. FRS 102 sets out the specific formats to be used when an entity chooses this option. Where an entity does not choose to adapt their balance sheet or profit and loss format, these changes will have no impact to the reporting entity. In addition to this change, the FRC has also made amendments to FRS 102 and FRS 105 which are intended to make limited clarifications to the 2024 Periodic Review amendments. Amendments have been made to the following sections of FRS 102 and FRS 105. Section 9 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements of FRS 102. The wording of paragraph 9.3 has been amended to provide clarification. Section 13 Inventories of FRS 102. Paragraph 13.14 (Cost of inventories of a service provider) has been deleted, and Section 10 Inventories of FRS 105. Paragraph 10.13 (Cost of inventories of a service provider) has been deleted.

The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has recently highlighted its Information Note on circumstances leading to disqualification under the Companies Act 2014 and the associated consequences.  The Information Note outlines the two primary reasons in which the disqualification of a company director arises: in the context of a liquidator's report on the conduct of the directors of the insolvency companies under section 682 of the Act;  in the context of the CEA, or others, making applications to the High Court under section 842 of the Act.  The Information Note is available to read in full here.  

In Irish news, we bring readers an update on the Government’s Research and Development Tax Credit and Innovation Compass which was published last week, and Revenue has announced the extended ROS pay and file deadline for the 2025 tax year. In UK news this week, HMRC has published initial guidance outlining the timetable for mandatory tax adviser registration, and the Institute has written to Government Ministers in Northern Ireland on cross-border and remote/hybrid working. In International news, the EU has updated its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Ireland 1. Read our update on the Research and Development Tax Credit and Innovation Compass which was recently published by the Department of Finance. 2. Revenue has confirmed Wednesday 18 November 2026 as the ROS 2025 return extended filing and payment date for certain self-assessment taxpayers. UK 3. HMRC has issued initial guidance setting out the timetable for mandatory tax adviser registration. 4. The Institute has written to Government Ministers in Northern Ireland on cross-border and remote/hybrid working. International 5. The EU has issued an updated list of ten non -cooperative tax jurisdictions. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s Cross-border developments and trading corner here.  

Have you ever had someone ask how you are doing and you are at a loss of how to answer or at a loss to how you are actually feeling. That blah, indifference to anything and everything type of feeling – you could be experiencing languishing. This not-so-new concept has become quite commonplace in the last few years and is a concept we are hearing more about. Here Thrive explains what languishing is and what we can do about it. What is languishing? There is a lot more to mental health than just being good or bad, it is a spectrum. In an attempt to create a deeper understanding of mental health, it can be categorised into four levels: Flourishing – peak mental health Good to moderate mental health Languishing – poor mental health Depression – experiencing a mental health condition Languishing is wrapped in the middle of the mental health continuum; it is the absence of mental wellness, a state of not being at your best but not at your worst either. First introduced by psychologist Corey Keyes in 2002, languishing, as Keyes describes it, is an emptiness and stagnation, constituting a life of quiet despair. It is a feeling of numbness, where you experience few strong emotions. It is a lack of engagement and apathy, a place where you simply remain in a state of neutrality. What Languishing looks like? Languishing is that ambivalent feeling as if life is something that happens, rather than something that you actively cultivate, participate in, and enjoy. Here are some of the feelings or experiences that can come with languishing: Feeling disconnected or dissociated Feeling deeply lonely or isolated A lack of motivation or procrastinating Struggling to focus Feeling like you’re not functioning to full capacity Inability to describe your feelings or experience any strong emotions A sense of emptiness or dullness Feeling as if you are just going through the motions, feel trapped or stuck Feel like life is missing something, there is nothing to look forward to Not thinking or particularly caring about the future Rarely have strong opinions In AXA’s 2023 global Mind Health study, it found a higher percentage of people (28%) were languishing compared to those who were flourishing (24%). The study also revealed woman experience languishing more than men at 30% compared to 25%. It also found Ireland had an above-average percentage of languishing at 29% compared to our global counterparts. Other research has shown a continued state of languishing can increase the risk of experiencing mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and major depression down the line. What to do about it? In his work on flourishing, Dr. Martin Seligman concluded the best method to move from a state of languishing to flourishing is the PERMA model which stands for: Positive emotions This may sound like an obvious but difficult area to integrate into your daily life but by consciously experiencing positive emotions we can learn to improve our wellbeing. Positive emotions are a prime indicator of flourishing and have numerous benefits - improving our thinking, acting, and cognitive ability. Find ways to deliberately increase positive emotions in your life and if repeatedly exercised, these positive emotions will become noticed and automatic over time. Start small by practicing gratitude, writing down things you are grateful for, things you love, appreciate, and feel good about. Engagement Engagement refers to being fully immersed in a particular activity that consumes our attention in a positive way. This is often referred to as flow, it is living in and focusing entirely on the present moment and the task at hand. When we are in a state of flow we perform to our peak and experience less anxiety. Take a look at our recent article on how to find your flow state. Relationships Having positive relationships with understanding and respect yields a deep sense of connection and support. Investing time and energy into fostering close relationships enhances our resilience and wellbeing. Research has demonstrated that sharing good news, celebrating success, and responding enthusiastically to others increases intimacy, wellbeing and overall satisfaction. Meaning Meaning or purpose in life looks different for everyone but it is based on the things that bring your life value. Seligman discussed meaning as belonging or serving something greater than ourselves and helps us focus on what is important in life. If you are looking for meaning, try and engage in small activities at first that leave you feeling fulfilled afterwards – this could be anything from volunteering to a small random act of kindness. Accomplishments A sense of accomplishment is the result of working toward and reaching a goal you have set for yourself. Accomplishments can boost our morale by helping us feel productive, that we are moving forward, and can give us a huge sense of pride. Set small, challenging but realistic goals and check them off once completed – this can fuel our motivation, sense of achievement, and ultimately our happiness. If you feel as if you are in floundering in a state of languishing, the Thrive wellbeing team is professionally trained to offer wellbeing advice and support to help you on your journey to a thriving and flourishing life. You can contact the wellbeing team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

Being ‘in the zone’ or feeling your Flow can help you revise more easily – and actually enjoy it more. Discover what a Flow state of mind is, the benefits, and how you can find yours. Have you ever been so engrossed in something that you don’t think about anything else and time seems to absolutely fly by? When ‘you’re in the zone?’ That’s your Flow. When you’re in this state of mind, your attention is 100% focused on the moment. And if that moment is when you’re revising for your exams, then you’re more likely to retain what you’re learning about.  In this article, we explore what Flow state is and how to find yours so you can optimise your revision performance.  what do we mean by Flow state?  According to the psychologist, Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, who has carried out extensive research into Flow, it’s: ‘The holistic sensation people feel when they act with total involvement.’ Added to that is the fact people enjoy what they are doing at the time when they are in a state of Flow, which has been captured in this quote from one of Csíkszentmihályi’s research candidates: ‘My mind isn’t wandering. I am not thinking of something else. I am totally involved in what I am doing. My body feels good. I don’t seem to hear anything. The world seems to be cut off from me. I am less aware of myself and my problems.’  What are the benefits of Flow?   The advantages of feeling your Flow are reportedly widespread and span beyond making you enjoy certain activities. Benefits include: greater fulfilment - when you’re in a Flow state, you tend to enjoy what you’re doing more, which is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.   increased happiness - studies have linked Flow to greater levels of happiness and satisfaction.  enhanced intrinsic motivation - people are more inclined to embark on an activity for the fun or challenge of it rather than because they feel pressure or are going to be rewarded.  improved engagement - people who are in a Flow state feel fully involved in the tasks they are carrying out.  greater performance - researchers have found that Flow can enhance performance in a range of areas, including teaching, learning, creative arts and sports-related activities.  How to know if you’re feeling your Flow   According to Csíkszentmihályi, there are 10 common characteristics associated with Flow. You do not have to experience them all in order to be in a state of Flow.  Whether you’re revising or doing something else, you’ve found your Flow if you:  find what you are doing intrinsically rewarding  have clear goals that may be challenging, but are still achievable  are fully focused on what you are doing  feel in control over the situation and outcome  feel serene and aren’t fully conscious of what you are doing  are experiencing immediate feedback  find the task is achievable and there’s a balance between skill level and challenge  aren’t aware of your physical needs  are really concentrating and paying attention  lose track of time  How to find your Flow   Now that you’ve read about what Flow is, what the benefits are of feeling it, and how you can identify it, are you keen to know how to feel your Flow, so you can boost your revision performance?   Follow these 8 practical steps:  switch off your email notifications and mobile phone - and any other interruptions that will distract you from focusing on revising.  schedule time to do your revision - and let other people know you are doing it so they don’t disrupt your focus.  choose revision tasks that will stretch you - in a state of Flow, you should feel confident you have the skills to complete your task, but it should still provide an enjoyable level of challenge.  revise somewhere quiet - you may find it more difficult to become immersed in your revision if you’re surrounded by constant distractions and the temptation to get up and do other things.  be patient - it can take anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes for your Flow to kick in.  shift your mindset away from unhelpful thoughts - thinking ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’ll never remember this’ is counterproductive. Focus on how you learn best and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.  record your progress and stay on track - by ticking off your revision as you complete it. It’ll also help you feel more positive about it too.  take short breaks to stretch - rest your eyes and stay hydrated, but avoid engaging with other tasks that may disrupt your sense of Flow.  Four practical exercises for tapping into your Flow   These exercises can help you find your Flow too, whether you’re revising or at work:  exercise one:  When were you last working in a Flow state? Identify the specific details - what was the type of work, where were you working, who were you working with, did you have a deadline?  exercise two:  When you were last in a Flow state, as identified above, what skills were you using? Do you have time to do more challenging tasks that better match your skillset?  exercise three:  What practical steps can you take to set up the conditions for more Flow working?  exercise four:   What should you stop doing that prevents you from finding time to work in Flow?  While it may not be something you’ve really thought about until now, finding your Flow is incredibly useful, not just when it comes to revising for exams, but boosting your productivity at work too.  Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

International Women’s Day invites us to pause, celebrate, and recommit to supporting women’s equality and empowerment. In 2026, the theme “Give to Gain” resonates deeply within professional environments, encouraging a culture of giving—be it in the form of support, knowledge, resources or visibility. But beyond the workplace, it has a profound connection to women’s wellbeing.  It strengthens inner resilience, creates social connection, and fosters a sense of purpose. When women give to and gain from one another, wellbeing becomes a shared, sustainable force. The power of giving on wellbeing Studies consistently show that acts of giving — whether through mentoring, offering support, volunteering, or advocating have been shown to increase happiness and reduce stress. This has unique significance for women, who often carry heavy emotional labour, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural expectations. By reframing giving as an empowering act, women can reclaim agency over how they offer their time, energy, and voice. Employees who engage in giving behaviours often report higher levels of job satisfaction. Feeling valued and supported can lead to a more positive outlook on one’s career and workplace. The impact of supportive communities Women thrive when surrounded by strong networks and in safe spaces where they are heard, valued, and supported. When individuals give their time and resources to support others, they build stronger, more trusting relationships.  Women who collectively advocate, uplift one another, and push for systemic change build a culture of wellbeing grounded in fairness, respect, and dignity. Healthy giving While giving is important, it is more important not to give endlessly with little regard for one's own needs. It needs to be rooted in bounded, intentional wellbeing. Healthy giving looks like: Offering encouragement without self-sacrifice Setting boundaries to protect mental and emotional health Sharing resources or knowledge in sustainable ways Choosing collaborative over competitive environments Recognising when to rest, restore, and receive This balanced approach strengthens mental resilience, reduces burnout, and fosters emotional harmony — all crucial components of women’s wellbeing. Give to gain in daily life There are many small but meaningful ways women can embody this year’s theme while supporting their wellbeing: Give Time - Check in on a friend, attend a support circle, or volunteer in your community. Give Encouragement - Celebrate women’s achievements openly, whether that’s at home, work, or online. Give Knowledge - Share your story, expertise, or experience. Women learn powerfully from one another. Give Rest - Honour your limits. Rest is an act of resistance and empowerment. Give Advocacy - Call out stereotypes, question bias, and support inclusive policies. Give Financially (If You Can) - Support women-focused charities, organisations, or groups working towards equality and wellbeing. Donate to CA Support. Give to gain in the workplace When women feel valued, supported, and included at work, their wellbeing — and productivity — increases. Generosity in professional settings doesn’t just benefit women; it strengthens entire organisations. To implement the “Give to Gain” philosophy in the workplace effectively, organisations can adopt several strategies: Mentorship programmes: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with those looking to grow in their careers. Ensure that opportunities are accessible to all employees, especially women and underrepresented groups, bridging gaps in representation. Collaboration: Create opportunities for team-based projects where employees can share their expertise and work together towards a common goal. Encouraging employees to share their knowledge and experiences can empower others and create a culture of continuous learning. Wellbeing policies: Implement EAPs that provide mental health support and counselling services. In addition, offering wellness programs that include activities such as mindfulness sessions, yoga, or stress management workshops can foster a supportive environment. Leadership: Fostering inclusive pathways to leadership and encouraging women to share their expertise, organisations can cultivate a new generation of female leaders who inspire and drive meaningful change in the workplace. Promoting policies that support work-life balance and flexible work arrangements also enables women to thrive in leadership roles while managing personal responsibilities. Not just a day As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain,” it’s crucial to recognise that fostering a culture of giving within the workplace is not just beneficial for individuals but for organisations as a whole. By prioritising wellbeing through mentorship, collaboration, emotional support, and recognition, we can create a thriving professional environment where everyone, especially women, can achieve their full potential. International Women’s Day Sparkling Lunch To mark International Women’s Day, we are hosting an inspiring afternoon of conversation, connection, and celebration. Join us for a vibrant gathering featuring insights from an exceptional line-up of members and speakers to mark International Women's Day. This special event will bring together influential leaders, industry experts, and peers for dynamic panel discussions, expert insights, and an intimate fireside chat. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by a community committed to progress. Book your spot here.

On 17 November 2023 HM Treasury published guidance on Ownership and Control: Public Officials and Control guidance. The guidance sets out that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office  does not generally consider designated public officials to exercise control over a public body in which they hold a leadership function, such that the affairs of that public body should be considered to be conducted in accordance with the wishes of that individual. However, if there was sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the designated individual exercises control over the public body within the meaning of the relevant regulations, then the relevant legal test under UK sanctions regulations may be met. The guidance follows on from a notable decision of the UK Court of Appeal Mints & Ors v PJSC National Bank Trust & Anor [2023] EWCA Civ 1132 which was handed down 6 October 2023. Please click here for our recent news item on the judgment. Please also see the recent UK High court case of 15 November 2023 Litasco SA Claimant, Der Mond Oil and Gas Africa SA and Locafrique Holding SA. There the High court judge appears to create a test that distinguishes between actually existing control and prospective control, stating his belief that the better interpretation of Regulation 7(4) is that it is concerned with an existing influence of a designated person over a relevant affair of the company …. not a state of affairs which a designated person is in a position to bring about. Were matters otherwise, it would follow that President Putin was arguably in control, for Regulation 7(4) purposes of companies of whose existence he was wholly ignorant, and whose affairs were conducted on a routine basis without any thought of him. Readers can also listen to a recent (20th Nov 2023) interesting webinar on the subject entitled “Webinar with UK government on sanctions ownership/control”. The webinar was hosted by UK firm Peters & Peters and the UK deputy director of sanctions David Drake and deputy director in OFSI Beth Davis spoke on the topic. Acknowledgement that any links to BAILII website (above) are free. 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.