Swapping self-criticism for self-compassion can help us to become more resilient, overcome difficult situations and boost our mental health. Dee France, Thrive’s Wellbeing Lead, explains why. “You are your own worst critic” is a popular phrase for a reason and will resonate with many of us. Our inner critic can be very harsh, and while we shouldn’t outright ignore it, we also shouldn’t give it more attention than it deserves. In fact, it could be argued that a healthy dose of self-doubt and criticism is necessary as it allows us to monitor our behaviour and check ourselves. However, overwhelming negative self-talk and being too critical of oneself can be damaging and detrimental to how we live our daily lives, not to mention the devastating impact it can have on our mental health. This is where a level of self-compassion is needed. Humans are collectively compassionate beings, showing a great deal of understanding and kindness to others, but we aren’t always great at being kind to ourselves. Where self-criticism asks, “am I good enough?” self-compassion asks, “what’s good for me?” Instead of dwelling on mistakes, past failures and judging and criticising yourself for various imperfections or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are understanding and supportive of yourself. How do we develop self-compassion? Like any skill, developing a sense of self-compassion requires time, practice and patience. As a leading researcher in self-compassion, Doctor Kristin Neff theorises that there are three core fundamentals to self-compassion. Mindful awareness This involves being aware of your thoughts and emotions and taking a balanced and mindful approach to both, neither suppressing nor exaggerating, but simply acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Self-kindness This involves caring for yourself the way you would a friend or family member going through a difficult time. When we are faced with challenging situations or have feelings of inadequacy, rather than beating ourselves up, we are instead supportive and encouraging of ourselves. Self-kindness gives us the security and perspective to put ourselves in a better frame of mind to cope with any challenges we may experience. Common humanity Self-compassion is rooted in common humanity. When we make a mistake, it is common to think we are the only person in the world who is flawed. Common humanity is recognising that everyone is flawed, vulnerable and imperfect. It is important to acknowledge that we all make mistakes and have our own insecurities. Nobody is perfect and this is something that connects, rather than separates, us. Self-compassion and wellbeing Self-compassion can be thought of as being self-indulgent or feeling sorry for ourselves, but developing the ability to cope and manage our difficulties is good for our emotional wellbeing. Research studies show that those who are more self-compassionate benefit from better mental and physical health. Further, people with higher levels of self-compassion tend to be more resilient, have a less physical response to stressors and spend less time dwelling on situations after they have happened. Self-compassion involves recognising strengths and achievements, which, in turn, boosts our self-confidence and self-belief. A study by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford found that self-compassion can immediately calm your heart rate and lessen stress responses. Study participants also demonstrated a general state of relaxation and security and reported a stronger sense of connection to other people. Exercising self-compassion makes you more likely to: engage in healthy behaviours such as exercise, eating better and better sleeping patterns; be less fearful of making mistakes, rejection or change; display higher levels of emotional intelligence, happiness and optimism; handle and cope with adversity and difficulties better; and demonstrate healthier boundaries in both your professional and personal life. Practising self-compassion There is a vast array of ways we can cultivate self-compassion. To get started, there are plenty of helpful resources, tools, exercises and templates available online. Below are a few ways you can start showing yourself a little more kindness and understanding: Practice mindfulness and self-reflection: learn to observe and evaluate your thoughts; activities such as journalling and meditation can aid this. This encourages you to be curious and self-aware, understanding that your thoughts and assumptions are just that – they are not facts. Reward and celebrate: celebrate your successes and achievements. Practice gratitude and celebrate moments of positivity and kindness. Keep a list of personal strengths to review in moments of self-doubt. Take a break: time away from your day-to-day routine and a change of scenery can help you keep things in perspective. Strengthen your connections: kindness is contagious! Showing love and understanding to the people around you means you are more likely to show yourself the same compassion. Do things you enjoy: spending time on our passions, hobbies and interests is good for the soul and brings a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Thrive is the Institute’s dedicated wellbeing hub that offers confidential wellbeing support to students and members. For more advice or information, check out Thrive’s Wellbeing Hub. Alternatively, you can contact the team by email at thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or phone at (+353) 86 024 3294.

Antje Derks, Marketing Executive, Chartered Accountants Worldwide, explores strategies for success and self-advocacy. As Chartered Accountancy students, the journey to success is often marked by rigorous exams and academic challenges. For students with a neurodiversity such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism, navigating these exams can present unique obstacles. However, with the right strategies and self-advocacy skills, students can overcome these challenges and excel in their studies. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences that contribute to unique ways of thinking, learning and processing information. It is important for students to recognise and embrace their neurodiversity – or seek medical advice if they are undiagnosed but suspect they are neurodivergent – as a valuable aspect of their identity, rather than a limitation. By understanding their individual strengths and challenges, students can develop tailored strategies for exam preparation. Here are some practical tips to prepare you for your exams and advocating for yourself with lecturers and beyond. Exam preparation No one has the same learning style so it is important for students to determine how they learn best. It will make exam preparation and work much more navigable. It’s important to create a structured study plan. The best way is to break down study materials into manageable chunks and create a realistic study schedule. Allocate specific time slots for each topic, allowing for regular breaks to prevent overwhelm. Finding a body double can work wonders. That’s not someone who will pretend to be you and sit your exams! Rather, it is someone you check in with by sending them a message after an agreed amount of time to give them a rundown of what you have achieved. It keeps you accountable and helps those of us who need a deadline to succeed. Another effective way of studying is to utilise multisensory learning techniques by incorporating visual aids, auditory resources (podcasts or lecture recordings), and tactile learning tools into study sessions. Experiment with different study methods, such as mind mapping, flashcards, or mnemonic devices, to enhance retention and comprehension. You can also try active recall. Instead of passively reviewing notes, actively test your knowledge by practicing past exam questions or teaching concepts to a study partner. This active engagement promotes deeper understanding and memory recall. Coping with nerves Anxiety is an unpleasant comorbidity with neurodiversity and can be exacerbated when you’re faced with the additional stress exams can put you under. Like learning styles, you need to find your own way of managing it. Personally, I like to go and climb mountains, but that’s not usually possible or practical without some forward planning! A walk round the block or sitting in your local park are excellent alternatives, however. Also, focus on your breathing – some students find visualisation techniques, a warm bath or shower or exercise help to cultivate a positive mindset and boost confidence. However, if you find you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, do make an appointment with the GP – they can help signpost you to more comprehensive support. Self-advocacy In order to enjoy your studies, it is important to learn how to advocate for yourself. It need not be as daunting as it sounds. You need to familiarise yourself with the accommodations and support services available to neurodiverse students from the Institute. Understand your rights under disability legislation and advocate for reasonable adjustments, such as extended exam time or alternative formats for assessments. The most effective way to do this is to schedule a meeting with your lecturers or academic support staff to discuss your specific needs and accommodations. Clearly articulate how your neurodivergence may impact your learning and exam performance and propose practical solutions or adjustments that would facilitate your success. If required, provide relevant documentation, such as a diagnostic assessment or a medical report, to support your request. Highlight specific recommendations from professionals regarding necessary adjustments or support measures. Maintain open communication with your lecturers throughout the semester to address any concerns or challenges that may arise. Advocate for yourself by proactively seeking clarification on course materials, asking for additional support if needed, and updating lecturers on any changes to your circumstances. You’re not alone Navigating exams as a neurodivergent student may present unique challenges, but with the right strategies and self-advocacy skills, you can overcome obstacles and achieve academic success. By embracing their neurodiversity, developing tailored study techniques, and advocating for themselves with lecturers, students can empower themselves to excel in their studies and pursue their professional aspirations with confidence. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Seek support from peers, mentors and academic advisors, and remember to prioritise selfcare and well-being throughout the exam season. With perseverance, determination and a proactive approach, you can conquer your exams and realise your full potential as a qualified Chartered Accountant.

While technical knowledge at FAE is undoubtedly required for exam success, sometimes particular techniques to use on exam day attracts less attention. Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland and Paul Monahan, FAE Programme Co-ordinator, explain one small part of these techniques – managing your initial planning time. In the FAE Exam Guide 2023 the examiner stated that success in the FAE exam comes down to structure, so having a preprepared format will help both with exam performance and managing your stress. You will be aware that a distinct reading time is not provided in FAE exams; instead, time to read and plan is included in the total of four hours 30 minutes. By practising on the FAE sample exam papers and in FAE mock exams, you should aim to get the reading down to a maximum of 30 minutes. When it comes to the technique of reading the Core paper, an approach that has served FAE students well over the years is to break up reading the paper into three components. The first part involves a very quick skim reading of the main narrative. Your objective here should be to identify your (the exam candidate’s) role in the organisation, the type of company described, and the basic storyline in the case. Aim to have this initial part completed in three minutes. The second read will aid your recall and help you process more of the details to help you sift the indicators. This re-read should cover the narrative and also give a brief look at the appendices. Then the third reading is the detailed one, focusing in on the eight indicators: two from financial reporting, two strategic management and leadership, two DAAIETs and two risk management and sustainability. Here’s a six-step process to start breaking them down and to structure your treatment in each instance. This sorting of the indicators is going to take much of your planning effort. Step 1 Identify if there are any compound indicators. A compound indicator is when one indicator from one subject might have two or three sub-questions within it, so it might take longer to answer and be more complex. Spotting this early will help your time management. Step 2 Can you spot any blended indicators? A blended indicator is when knowledge from two different FAE Core subjects may be needed to answer one indicator. FAE examiners have stated their intention to include more blended indicators as this is more reflective of what happens in reality. Step 3 The third we call ‘seen before’. Do you recognise the type of indicator from one of the integrated case days, from the FAE Core sample papers or from the mocks? Can you identify and refer to a similar company, and can you relate that company’s successful approach in your recommendation? If it was the right answer in one of the suggested solutions you’ve already seen and you’re making a similar recommendation, it’s very likely going to be the correct solution and earn you marks. Step 4 Next, can you identify any links between the different indicators? You have been presented with a single scenario, just as a Chartered Accountant will in advising a client or their employer. Details provided in one of the indicators can often help you justify your recommendation to another indicator. Identifying links will also make for a more coherent, well-structured overall response and encourage the examiner to award marks for professional competence. Remember what’s to play for here: 20 marks out of 100 for each indicator. An approach, with a worked example, is available on the Learning Hub to assist here. Step 5 For each indicator, what theoretical business model can you reference in your recommendation? Students often reach for a SWOT analysis but you’ll need more than that! Prepare the change management models mentioned in SML, like Lewin, Kotter and McKinsey, or the STRONG model for entity transformation, to name just a few. The examiner will expect a fully rounded response to include references to models. Step 6 Finally, anticipate where marks will be awarded in each indicator. Again, in the 2023 FAE Exam Guide the examiner pointed out that students will be expected to perform three or four pieces of work per indicator. Assess where the marks are to be gained, based on the FAE Mock Examinations (available once the Mocks window has closed Monday 8 July 2024). You’ll also get a good steer from practising on the FAE sample papers. Find the hooks Final words once again from the FAE examiner, taken from the 2023 FAE Exam Guide. The examiner reminds us that there will be plenty of ‘hooks’ in the Core case upon which to frame the answer, so a skill is to determine which hooks to use. It’s undoubtedly a skill worth practising because it will earn marks and help you pass FAE Core. The FAE Mock exams may be attempted in a window from Saturday 29 June to Sunday 7 July. More information on the mock exams can be found on wwww.charteredaccountants.ie.

Knuckling down to study can be especially challenging in the warmer months, making a balanced approach to work, rest and play even more crucial, writes Becky Maye Studying during the summer is never easy. Trying to maintain work, study and enjoying some summer fun is a balancing act and one that can be challenging for many students to maintain as exams approach. There is an art to making sure that, when you’re being pulled in so many directions, you can still prioritise what is most important in the moment. Sometimes, trying to strike a balance between work, study and fun can feel overwhelming. Taking a step back and looking at how we approach work-life balance as students can help us to excel while also taking good care of ourselves. Taking control of your time We may need to be ruthless with our schedules and how we choose what to make time for. This can be difficult. My advice is to plan out your weekly schedules in advanced – a huge help! Taking a few minutes to plan your week in detail can allow for so much more time to be saved during the week. This time can then be used to do what matters most, be it study, work, time with family and friends or socialising and engaging with extracurricular activities. It is so important to maintain some level of engagement with activities outside study and work, so that you can avoid becoming too overwhelmed or burnt out during the chaos of exam preparation. Any study leave you can use in the lead-up to exams can also help lessen the burden – but it’s important to still prioritise how you schedule your time. It’s so easy to cancel plans or feel guilty whenever you do things for yourself outside study. We have all fallen into this trap and experienced the dilemma. Switching off While it may be necessary to take a step back from socialising, taking some time away from studying also must be a priority for students. Everyone needs time to switch off and recharge. You are entitled to have some fun and take a breather from the relentless study routine. During the summer, the days are longer and brighter and (sometimes!) the weather is a lot nicer. This means there are many more options for taking a break from study to have some fun. Don’t neglect getting in touch with your friends and making the most of the extra opportunities for getting outside and socialising the summer can bring. And it’s also important to remember that what’s “fun” for one person might not be viewed in the same way by another. Check in with your peers and make sure that when you are all taking time away from study together, it’s fun for everyone! Your support network Your support network will play a big part in helping you to maintain a healthy balance in the run-up to summer exams. Lean on your family and friends and let them help you, be it in the form of pushing you to study or pulling you away from study when a break is needed and deserved. It’s important to note that all this advice might not be easy to implement, so start small and focus on the little things you can change to help achieve a healthy balance between study, work and rest and relaxation. These small changes add up over time and can have a very positive impact as they become part of your routine. No one can change overnight. By building your way up and introducing good habits slowly, you will be well-placed to figure out what works best for you. There is also support available to you to help in doing this, some of which you may not know exists! For example, through the Education department or the Thrive Wellbeing Hub there are a multitude of student supports available. The CASSI committee members are also always on hand to help in any way possible if you would rather reach out to a fellow student first. Taking care of yourself and finding your balance between work, study and fun is so important and shouldn’t be neglected through the summer run-up to exams. Becky Maye is a Tax Associate with PwC and Public Relations Officer with the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland.

The Institute has issued revised CPD Regulations with effect from 1 July 2024.  The minor changes to the CPD Regulations facilitate a planned simplification of the Institute's Individual Annual Return process for members. To access these regulations, please click on the link provided.

The Companies Registration Office have recently issued a guidance note in relation to The Do’s & Don’ts when filing B10 forms. The guidance note highlights some of the common issues that occur with filing B10 forms and assist presenters to avoid making mistakes when filing B10 forms. This is a very useful document and following the guidance should assist in ensuring that B10s are not rejected. Please note that the guide is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. If you have any further queries, please email the relevant CRO section at: companyofficers@cro.ie

  A Pride festival in the UK has gained recognition for combining both inclusivity and sustainability in its operations. Worthing Pride, an annual celebration in the UK coastal town of Worthing, has implemented a waste management plan encouraging attendees to participate in green practices and including efforts to reduce single-use plastics, in order to reduce its environmental impact. It also offers a platform for local businesses and small business owners and artisans to showcase their products, both supporting local services/products and reducing the event’s carbon footprint. It is also promoting eco-friendly vendors among other sustainability initiatives. The event, which takes place in July, supports local environmental charities, with a direct focus on clean energy projects that benefit underrepresented communities or support LGBTQ+ environmental activists.

The Brisbane Chapter are delighted to extend a limited invitation for some members to represent Chartered Accountants Ireland at the Ireland Funds Luncheon on Friday, 2 August at Hillstone, St. Lucia. A limited number of spaces will be subsidised for members, strictly on a first come first served basis. Click here to register and pay for your space. The Ireland Funds' mission is to harness the power of a global philanthropic network of friends of Ireland to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and among Irish communities around the world.

Get into the festive spirit this winter with Christmas in July which will be hosted by the Sydney Chapter in the Doss House on the 25 July from 6.30pm. Drinks, festive food and music plus a chance to get meet with fellow members based in Sydney. Members tickets are $20 plus booking fee but are limited so be quick! Click to book  

Join the social Perth Chapter for a fun evening out at playing darts at at the stunning Flight Club on Murray Street. Date: 25 July 2024 Location: Flight Club, Murray Street, Perth Time: 5.30pm sharp Free for members but bookings are essential.  Book your place    

June marks the month-long celebration of Pride and it is great to see the country awash with the colourful rainbow, a meaningful representation of inclusion, solidarity and progression. It is a landmark year for Pride in Ireland as it is the 50th anniversary celebration.  Dublin saw its first-ever Pride demonstration take place in June of 1974, as a small group of activists marched from the Department of Justice on Stephen’s Green to the British Embassy on Merrion Road calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.  This year’s theme for Pride is Shine, celebrating the light and love shared within the LGBTQ+ community. However, while overall societal shifts, diversity and inclusion initiatives have made great strides in helping to support and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community over the past 50 years, from our work at Thrive, we know that difficulties, hardship and discrimination still remain and members in our community still feel the effects of this.  A recent survey released by Trinity College during Pride Month shows the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people has acutely deteriorated since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic rather than improved (48% vs 18%). 60% had sought professional help for a mental health problem in the past five years. When it came to harassment and violence in public, participants reported verbal harassment (72%), being threatened with being outed (33%), non-consensual touching (30%), physical attack (24%) and sexual assault (16.5%). The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released figures which showed those who identify as LGBTQ+ reported the highest rates of discrimination in Irish society and 17.5% of the community have experienced workplace discrimination. Coping with such concerns can have a detrimental impact on our wellbeing, self-esteem and the general navigation of our daily lives. Feeling empowered to express who you are freely in the workplace and beyond is crucial to your mental health. If you are struggling with any worries or challenges around these important personal issues, Thrive is here to help all year around. We offer a wide range of services including free counselling services and career coaching to support our community who are in need. Happy Pride!

Today, 27 June is Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day – a day designated by the United Nations to highlight the potential of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) to transform economies, foster job creation and promote equitable economic growth. According to the UN, they account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment and 50% of GDP worldwide. They are the backbone of societies everywhere, and in 2024, the UN has prioritised leveraging their power and resilience to accelerate sustainable development and eradicate poverty. To effect change, wherever they operate, businesses need policies that support and nurture the important role that they play in our economies. Supporting and promoting the interests and needs of small businesses across the island of Ireland is a key priority for the Institute in the coming year under the leadership of recently elected President Barry Doyle. SMEs are the backbone of the domestic economy and in the run up to the next general election in Ireland, the Institute is determined to amplify the voice of the small business community in our representations to Government. Our 2024 Survey of Small Businesses remains open and we invite all members working in the SME sector to share their views with us to help inform the basis of this important campaign. We look forward to sharing more details of our campaign on your behalf in the coming weeks.