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Where's the urgency?

The swine flu pandemic could have a catastrophic impact on revision and the whole exam process for the UKs accountancy bodies.Read the accountancy bodies' responses in full here.

The swine flu pandemic could have a catastrophic impact on revision and the whole exam process for the UKs accountancy bodies. However, despite this fact most of the accountancy bodies didn't have any plans in place when PQ magazine spoke to them two weeks after the outbreak became a level 5 on the World Health Organisations scale.

Following PQs prompting the ACCA moved swiftly to put a warning up on their website saying that its June 2009 examination sessions are to go ahead as scheduled around the world. Even if they avoid any disruption for this sitting, if plans are not in place there could be major problems in the winter diet, as scientists believe a strain of the flu could cause chaos over the winter. PQ was shocked to discover that some bodies' are still compiling their responses and as always it seems students will be the last to know. CIPFA told us: "We are waiting on government advice at the moment before putting together a plan, but we are very aware of issue." CIMA and ICAS told PQ they had measures in place to deal with a possible outbreak. CIMA said it "has a robust business continuity plan which we would invoke if the situation deteriorates." Meanwhile ICAS was the body most on top of the situation. They said: "ICAS has considered contingency planning in the event of pandemic. We have outlined a number of options depending on the seriousness of the situation and planned according to each option." ICAEW had a more leisurely response, which was in short: " It is business as usual until we are told otherwise, but we will continue to monitor the authorities." Even at the Council meeting on the May 6th there still didn't seem to be any urgency about how the institute would approach the problem.

As PQ went to press in the UK five schools had been closed. And the government was urging colleges and universities to draw up contingency plans for A-levels, GCSEs and Sats exams in the event of an outbreak, which included sitting tests in smaller groups off site and in extreme cases having pupils graded based on their coursework. They were also encouraging 'flu buddy' schemes to ensure that students looked out for friends showing early symptoms of the virus. Meanwhile at the time many of the accountancy bodies' were yet to fully consider its possible impact on the exam procedure.

These are the accountancy bodies' responses in full:

CIPFA

'We are waiting on government advice at the moment before putting together a plan, but we are very aware of issue.

'We have been in contact with CETC and they are keeping students informed on the government advice. Non CETC providers of the CIPFA qualification have also been alerted to the government health warnings.'

CIMA

\'CIMA has a robust business continuity plan which we would invoke if the situation deteriorates. We are monitoring information from the government and Health Protection Agency and are following their advice

\'Our employees have been provided web links for government backed information and also reminded of the number for our employee assistance programme, provided by BUPA wellbeing, should they wish to speak to someone directly.\'

ICAEW

'The Institute like any other employer has a duty of care towards its employees and will continue to monitor general advice from the Department of Health and Health and Safety Executive on this particular issue. There are no plans for anything unusual or any contingency plans as yet. It is business as usual until we are told otherwise, but we will continue to monitor the authorities.'

ACCA

'ACCA is currently planning for its June 2009 examination sessions to go ahead as scheduled around the world.

'ACCA will continue to monitor the swine flu epidemic closely over the coming weeks and, should there be a change to existing arrangements, those students affected will be contacted by email with announcements appearing on the ACCA web site.'

ICAS

'ICAS has considered contingency planning in the event of pandemic. We have outlined a number of options depending on the seriousness of the situation and planned according to each option. Options include:
* Cancellation of classes and exams
* Students may be asked to study from home with computer based lecture support offered for evening review
* Deferral of exams without penalty if classes are cancelled
* Staff will be encouraged to work from home where possible to minimise infection
* If classes continue to run, we will use external lecturers to deal with absence of staff members

'At all stages we would take advice from the appropriate authorities as to how best to deal with a case in the student population or amongst teaching staff.'

AAT

Jane Scott Paul, AAT Chief Executive:

'The Swine Flu situation is one that we are monitoring closely and a risk that we are taking very seriously indeed. We have already alerted all our staff, issuing Government guidelines and antibacterial wipes, and have been preparing a plan, in discussion with the City of London, for how the AAT would cope with a pandemic if it arises.

'We are looking at all possible scenarios and will be reviewing our policy for handling any situations that arise in regard to our exams process - for example, student non-attendance due to illness or college closures. Full guidance will be made available on the AAT\'s website, as appropriate.'

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