As the role of the auditor comes increasingly under the spotlight following recent global financial turbulence, ICAEW believes that it is vital that the accountancy profession re-examines the role of audit and assurance and comes up with constructive, practical ways which both can improve and continue to benefit businesses, the economy and society in the 21st century. Developments need to respond to the demands of stakeholders, policymakers and regulators and should be evidence based.