No ACCA deal

You claimed that Middlesex University "set up a deal to offer degrees in partnership with ... the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants" (Whistleblowers, THES, October 22). I would like to make it clear that there is no formal or contractual "deal" between ACCA and Middlesex University. Most universities credit-rate professional accountancy qualifications and at ACCA we welcome such arrangements since this assists in the transferability of qualifications. The inclusion by Middlesex University of ACCA's examinations as part of its accountancy degree programme is, thus, one of a number of similar such recognitions.

The proposed link between Oxford Brookes and ACCA is, however, a formal partnership. In this unique arrangement, a global professional accountancy body and a major UK university are working together to offer a jointly designed programme of study and assessment that will satisfy the requirements for both an accounting degree and the majority of the professional qualification. This initiative will widen access to degree education and will protect academic standards through rigorous quality controls.

Developments like this embody ACCA's innovative approach to education and training. ACCA is the only UK accountancy body to have an examination stream based on international accounting standards. It is the only professional accountancy body that has its own technician qualification and it is leading the field in the use of computer-based examinations.

Worldwide ACCA has 250,000 members and students. It is working to ensure that UK education meets the needs of the 21st century global knowledge economy. This will require ACCA to be innovative, to offer high-quality, relevant qualifications and to make them available worldwide. We are keen to work with education providers who share our mission to widen access, to work internationally, and to deliver study programmes effectively and efficiently.

Anthea Rose Chief executive ACCA, London WC2