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Edward's story

I was working in a senior role at a major city institution and received an attractive offer to work for an established technology company. This was a new area for me and the position also gave me the chance to use my skills as a linguist.

After three months I was asked to a sales meeting. When I got there, it was to be told that I hadn't developed sufficiently and was my contract was being terminated. There was no time to feel sorry for myself. I needed to focus on getting a new job.

One of the first things I did was to call caba. I explained my position and they gave me 3 sessions with a career coach to help improve my CV. They also offered me a LinkedIn course too. I think the sessions were useful on a practical level - I adjusted my CV and online presence. On a personal level, I had a connection with a friendly face who understood my industry and wanted to support me. I needed validation for the direction I was going in. Working with caba really rebuilt my confidence.

Just over 3 months after leaving my previous job, I had 2 good job offers and I think the support I had from caba helped me secure them. I talked the offers over with my career coach who supported me and made me feel confident in my decision on which to take.

I took on an exciting role as financial controller at an Italian food importer. After 6 months I was made General Manager, and I've led my team through an operational transformation. It's a much more interesting and challenging role than my previous one and I'm glad to be here.

how caba can help

caba supports the wellbeing of past and present ICAEW members, ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and their spouses, partners and children up to the age of 25. For advice, information and support please:
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your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool. 

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

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