ICAEW's new president, Martyn Jones, has said the accountancy profession must refocus on public benefit, rather than being see as only serving its own self-interests.

Jones, who retired from Deloitte last year after 30 years, made the comment during his inaugural speech, which highlighted ICAEW initiatives such as Business Advice Service and its recently launched website for volunteering.

He also suggested four new criteria for a professional body which he would like to see ICAEW promote, which included giving recognition to the application of principles; proportionality, particularly for SMEs; a membership which is diverse and widely accessible; and the importance of making reasoned judgements.

Arthur Bailey, consultant with Begbies Traynor Group and chairman of Stafford Railway Building Society, is the new ICAEW deputy president and Andrew Ratcliffe, partner at PwC, becomes vice president.

At its AGM this week, ICAEW passed resolutions which mean that firms accredited by ICAEW for the purposes of carrying out probate services are to be allowed to appeal regulatory and disciplinary decisions outside the profession's disciplinary process.

In addition, the institute's regulatory and conduct committees - including disciplinary tribunals and appeal panels - will in future have a majority of lay people sitting on them, rather than a majority of lawyers and accountants as now.

The changes are requirements of the Legal Services Board (LSB) as part of ICAEWs application to become a recognised regulator for probate.

The AGM also saw support for an increase of £10 (3.1%) for the 2014 main subscription, which will see the UK / Europe main subscription go up from £320 to £330. There will be a £32 increase in the rest of the world main subscription, to bring it up to £330 from £298, so that fees are harmonised worldwide for the first time.