ACCA appoints former FRC director to strengthen global policy and sustainability initiatives

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a global professional body for accountants, continues to solidify its influence on both UK and international policy with the recent strategic appointment of Claire Lindridge as its new Director, Policy and Insights. The organisation, which boasts over 257,900 members and more than 530,100 future members worldwide, has made this senior hire to deepen its engagement with regulatory frameworks and thought leadership at a critical juncture for the profession.

Lindridge brings nearly two decades of regulatory expertise from her tenure at the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the UK’s independent regulator responsible for audit and corporate reporting standards. Most notably, she served as Director of Audit Market Supervision, a pivotal role overseeing the quality management, culture, governance, and risk processes of the UK’s largest audit firms. This experience positioned her at the forefront of the ongoing UK Audit Reform, which has expanded the FRC’s remit and powers to strengthen public interest protections after a series of high-profile corporate failures. Prior to her regulatory career, Lindridge trained and qualified as an auditor at Deloitte, providing her with invaluable dual insights into the practical challenges of audit engagement alongside a stringent regulatory perspective.

At ACCA, Lindridge is tasked with shaping the organisation’s policy and research strategy globally, focusing closely on three main priorities. Firstly, she aims to bridge the skills gap identified in complex areas such as auditing intricate estimates and non-financial information, needs strongly highlighted in her work at the FRC. Her insight will reinforce ACCA's educational initiatives to ensure accountants are equipped with future-proof competencies aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. Secondly, she will advance ACCA’s drive to promote sustainable business practices, leveraging her direct experience assessing governance structures to strengthen environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and assurance, a policy area where ACCA is already pioneering work, including efforts to integrate International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) frameworks. Lastly, her role encompasses championing the professional accountant within a regulatory environment that is rapidly changing, ensuring ACCA’s advocacy is grounded in an authoritative understanding of governance and oversight dynamics.

The appointment reflects ACCA’s commitment to maintaining a highly relevant and authoritative policy voice for its UK members and broader international community. Alan Hatfield, ACCA’s executive director for Content, Quality and Innovation, praised Lindridge’s entry, emphasising the value of her regulatory insight in powering ACCA’s research and policy influence globally. Lindridge expressed enthusiasm about enhancing support for ACCA members and advancing the profession’s global policy priorities.

This leadership move comes at a time when ACCA’s membership is rapidly expanding, reinforcing the organisation’s stature as a major player in the accountancy profession worldwide. Having recently surpassed the milestone of 257,900 members and over 530,100 future members across 180 countries, ACCA continues to grow its community through inclusive development and global reach. In the 2025 fiscal year, ACCA welcomed more than 102,000 new students and over 13,000 new members, with operating income exceeding £250 million for the first time, a financial performance that underscores the body’s significant industry footprint. The launch of a new Professional Diploma in Sustainability during the same period also highlights ACCA’s commitment to evolving professional competencies in line with emerging business and regulatory trends.

As audit oversight and corporate reporting standards undergo substantial reform in the UK, the addition of a seasoned regulator like Claire Lindridge positions ACCA to provide timely, well-informed guidance and policy leadership. For executives in associations, confederations, and trade bodies, this appointment signals ACCA’s proactive approach to navigating regulatory complexities and strengthening the support structure for accounting professionals worldwide.