In June the Institute commissioned a series of candidate focus groups and gained valuable feedback on the Chartered Accountants Program learning experience.  Feedback from these focus groups told us:

• Candidates start the Program with optimism and are generally excited about the future a Chartered Accountants qualification will give them



• Satisfaction with the Program is greatly enhanced as they become more familiar with the Program and can better manage the workload and expectations



• Satisfaction with the Program lessens when candidates feel isolated and value support from the Institute, work colleagues or peers



• Recent Program enhancements including removal of group projects, three-term timetable and reduced errors in the printed learning materials are appreciated



• The Program orientation should be more focussed on how to gain practical study skills and develop a study plan



• Provide softcopy Excel spreadsheets for EPs to reduce time re-typing data.

The Program development team are already working on this feedback, so watch this space for further Program improvements.