The revised ICAEW audit-regulations-and-guidance-effective-1-june-2025.ashx, para AR 2.02A requires a sole practitioner practice (only 1 RI)  must put in place a formal agreement with an “alternate” (to in effect, in the event of the incapacity or death of the sole practitioner, take over their audit clients).

These provisions aim to ensure that another practitioner can ensure continuity of audit services to the clients. There is no expectation that the alternate will necessarily undertake the “audit business” of the sole practitioner (but this may be the case), but could instead effect an orderly transition of clients to a new auditor at least.

The alternate can be an ICAEW, ICAS, CAI or ACCA member and, if just dealing with the transition to a new auditor only, they do not need to be a RI themselves or hold a practicing certificate.

All Sole practice auditors have until 1 December 2025 to comply with the new regulations and must complete a form and email it to regulatory.support@icaew.com to notify the ICAEW about their alternate.