Professional and Regulatory Support Helpdesk

The Professional and Regulatory Support Helpdesk is a free, confidential service available to all IFoA members worldwide. It provides a safe and trusted space for members to raise questions relating to standards, professional judgement, and ethical behaviour, informed by the experience of actuarial practitioners.

By submitting a query, members receive a tailored response drawing on the expertise of panel members from across a range of practice areas, including pensions, life and general insurance, with a dedicated panel focused on professionalism related queries. In some cases, responses may also be provided by members of the IFoA Executive team, helping to ensure support is timely, consistent and well informed.

The Helpdesk is designed to support members in making well-informed decisions through the provision of appropriate professional and regulatory guidance, particularly in situations where decisions must be made under pressure, or where the implications of different courses of action may not be immediately clear.

Members can raise queries on:

  • The Actuaries’ Code
  • Actuarial Profession Standards (APSs) and related guidance
  • Technical Actuarial Standards (TASs) issued by the Financial Reporting Council*
  • Ethical dilemmas encountered in actuarial work

*While TASs are set by the FRC, the Helpdesk reflects the views of experienced practitioners and does not represent the views of the FRC.

What members value

Members who use the Helpdesk consistently highlight the reassurance gained from an independent, objective perspective. Feedback indicates that the service helps members sense-check their initial assessments, provides constructive challenge where appropriate, and supports confidence in reaching well-considered decisions.

For those supporting others on professional matters, Helpdesk insights can also inform internal discussions, governance decisions, and future professional skills training, contributing to wider organisational learning.

Submit a query

To find out more about how the Helpdesk works and submit a query, please visit the members’ area

You can also call us on 0131 240 1313 (UK) or +44 131 240 1313 (international).

If you are not a member of the IFoA, you may direct queries to the IFoA’s Public Affairs Team at public.affairs@actuaries.org.uk

Get involved

The Helpdesk is supported by a panel of experienced IFoA members. Joining the panel offers a valuable opportunity to contribute professional expertise, support fellow actuaries, and help uphold high standards across the profession, while gaining exposure to a wide range of real world issues and judgement based scenarios.

Find out more on the vacancy page