It is recommended that the sole practitioner seek legal advice to ensure that the agreement is properly developed to meet the specific requirements of each situation. Once an agreement has been reached, it should be communicated (if any) to the close family and management staff of the single practitioner, in order to allow for a smooth transition in an likely difficult time. Before signing such an agreement, consideration should be given to the status of the potential alternate and, for example, to ask the following questions. The assistant cannot sign an audit report on behalf of the company and it is not appropriate for the assistant to initiate insolvency proceedings. A substitute could take over work under the company`s PBO licence if it is competent and if the single practitioner intends to return to the workplace at a later date. The terms of the alternative agreement depend on the exact circumstances. It is possible to appoint a substitute as a proxy (to deal with incapacity to work). It is also possible to designate the assistant as a “special executor” in the will of the individual practitioner, in order to cover the possibility of the practitioner`s death. In order to allow the assistant to take the lead in the practice in a timely manner, especially when a customer account is involved, the assistant should be signed into the company`s bank accounts. ADR is a quick and inexpensive way to reach agreement on review issues.
The audit can then be completed without being heard, saving both parties time and costs. ADR is also an effective way for the AAT to effectively manage its fall load. ADR processes are primarily managed by conference registrars who do not make decisions on applications. It is important to note that participation in this alternative dispute resolution procedure does not negate a worker`s right to initiate formal proceedings in which a new review or complaint is requested if he wishes or if an agreement is not reached. There is no obligation to inform the ICAEW of your alternative agreements, unless you are a single practitioner who holds the client money. A conference is a confidential and informal meeting that takes place in good faith and gives the parties the opportunity to explain why they feel the decision is wrong and, where possible, reach an agreement with the department on how to resolve the matter. A conference is usually the first step in a review after the AAT has accepted the application. Many cases are resolved at this stage. If you are having difficulty finding a suitable replacement, please contact the advisory services on (0)1908 248 250, by email practice.services@icaew.com or contact your local district association.
When considering the need for assistance in times of physical or mental disability, isolated practitioners should try to reach an agreement with another company or individual practitioner to cover short- and long-term problems. A help sheet contains instructions for individual principles and their alternates, including checklists and an example agreement.