1. 1880
    A Royal Charter

    Queen Victoria signs a Royal Charter creating the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), establishing the professional body that caba would later support.

  2. 1885
    Early Support

    £50 is raised by councilmen of the ICAEW for a junior clerk afflicted by a terminal illness.

  3. 24 March 1886
    Formally Constituted

    caba is born

    The Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association is formally constituted, chaired by W.W. Deloitte and supported by 22 ICAEW council members.

  4. 1880s–1890s
    Establishing Rules

    Rules & Policies established

    Early support includes grants for health-related travel, recognising the impact of illness on financial stability.

  5. 1892
    Overseas Support

    Following the death of Dr J. Westby Gibson, £20 is sent to Mrs Gibson to help her join family in Melbourne, Australia.

  6. 1914–1918
    World War I

    First World War, help for households affected by war. Support for the injured and fatalities of war – widows and children.

  7. 1924
    Pensions Change

    caba’s grants change in line with the Old Age Pensions Scheme for the over 70s.

  8. 1930s
    Expanding Support

    Support expands to include exam coaching and to assist ICAEW members in finding employment.

  9. 1939–1945
    World War II

    Second World War. Financial Grants during times of rationing, displacement and rebuilding. Food parcels are sent to members across the UK by colleagues overseas.

  10. 1958
    A Lasting Legacy

    Henry Merrett bequeaths his estate to caba, securing the charity's long-term future.

  11. 1970s
    Guidance & Practice

    Recognition that support is more than financial grants alone. Guidance and practical assistance begin to form a larger part of caba’s work.

  12. 1980
    Centenary

    ICAEW’s centenary appeal raises £750,000 for caba.

  13. 2002
    Digital Era

    caba’s first website launches, providing online resources for the community.

  14. 2005
    Helpline Launches

    A pivotal year. The sale of land left by Henry Merrett helps secure caba’s future. First telephone advice and counselling helpline launches.

  15. 2007–2008
    Widening Services

    New services are available for those in debt, nearing retirement, or out of work. Support is also offered for carers and for those needing care.

  16. 2010
    ACA Students

    Support eligibility broadens further to include ACA students.

  17. 2015
    Wellbeing Support

    Support, training and resources broaden – looking after the wellbeing of the whole community.

  18. 2025
    New Strategy

    A new five-year strategy refocuses caba’s work on those facing hardship and health challenges as pressures across the profession evolve.

  19. 2026
    140 Years

    caba marks 140 years of support, continuing its mission to stand beside the ICAEW community.

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