HOW WE CREATE VALUE
Member engagement
WHAT WE DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Member Engagement division of SAICA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that members remain respected, recognised, and relevant for the future. Member engagement takes place through a structured approach tailored to meet the diverse needs and expectations of members, encompassing their age, location, role, industry, and years of experience. By fostering meaningful connections and continuous engagement, the division strives to elevate the overall member experience at every interaction with SAICA.
The division’s dedication to member engagement is exemplified by its commitment to clearly articulating the member value proposition (MVP) associated with becoming a member or associate of SAICA. This MVP highlights the myriad of benefits that membership unlocks, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their professional development and career advancement.
KEY FOCUS AREAS IN SUPPORT OF STRATEGY
STRATEGIC PILLAR
FOCUS
STRATEGIC PILLAR
FOCUS
2023 AT A GLANCE
Practices portfolio
Early in 2023, the responsibilities of the Member Engagement division were expanded to incorporate the Practices portfolio, which had previously resided within the Standards division.
The move commenced with recapacitating this portfolio and was followed by direct engagements with members in practice throughout the country. A total of 79 practitioners were engaged during this process, enabling a thorough understanding of the circumstances in which our members operate and the strengths and challenges that the operating environment produces. A comprehensive project plan was developed as a direct result of these engagements which was approved by the national Small and Medium Practices (SMP) interest group.
A particular set of engagements was facilitated between SMPs who are registered auditors and the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA). This saw Member Engagement and the IRBA Standards department engage 46 registered auditors and three ADP candidates from 30 small audit firms throughout the country. The engagements were very well received by members and the IRBA, and the outcomes of these engagements have resulted in initiatives aimed specifically at small audit firms that will continue into 2024 and beyond.
Strategic engagements
Over 120 engagements were conducted as part of a separate project aimed at cementing relationships with influential chartered accountants within specific industries or geographical areas. These relationships will enable SAICA to call on a greater range of members when insights into specific industries or expertise are required, thus benefiting the entire membership.
The specific engagements described above are in addition to the numerous formal engagements that the Member Engagement team conducts on an ongoing basis throughout the year, not just in South Africa but wherever there are a considerable number of members throughout the world. An additional member committee was formed in Ireland during the year, further enabling the reach of support available to members outside of South Africa.
Member engagement and networking
Approximately 950 members attended a total of 97 formal council and committee meetings, averaging almost two meetings per week for the entire year. This provided Member Engagement with detailed insights and intelligence spanning the entire global membership. Such close formal working relationships with members enable SAICA to respond to developing requirements in a relevant and timely manner and to ensure that members remain supported and enabled. Regional councils self-evaluated their overall effectiveness at an average score of 4,11 out of 5.
Support includes the delivery of networking and learning opportunities. A total of 7 895 members attended the 179 events hosted by Member Engagement (this excludes events hosted by Standards, Learning and Development, and other divisions within SAICA). Attendees rated the overall effectiveness of the Member Engagement events as excellent: 4,71 out of 5. The events include the flagship spring and summer conferences hosted by the Northern and Central regions respectively, and three conferences aimed at younger members in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Member engagement across borders
In addition to the engagement with members outside South Africa by SAICA executives from other divisions, the Member Engagement team conducted engagements in Namibia, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Australia. These engagements with members and member committees (except in Namibia) facilitate valuable insights into the unique needs of members in these jurisdictions, the support available to members via their committees, the support that is still required from SAICA to both the committees and the members, as well as an understanding of the practical operational nuances that exist in each country.
November 2023 saw the launch of the South African of the Year in Australia Awards. The awards aim to showcase the contribution that South Africans have made to Australian society and the Australian economy in a manner that highlights the global relevance of the CA(SA) designation and its contribution to excellence beyond borders. The launch was very well received by our members and sponsors. The first awards will be made in 2024.