New President: We must embrace change

New CIOT President Susan Ball has told members that the Institute has important work to do in relation to three big ongoing changes - the advance of technology, the fight against climate change and internationalisation – to ensure it remains relevant and delivers on its public benefit obligations.

On technology, she said this meant not just thinking about the Institute provides its services to members, but about how technology will change how members work: ‘That’s why an Institute working party has developed a syllabus for a new Diploma in Tax Technology … aimed at both existing tax professionals who wish to enhance their awareness of tax technology, and at those outside the profession who might wish to work in this area. We aim to launch this new qualification by the end of the year.’ Susan said the Institute’s technical committees would continue looking closely at HMRC’s plans for digitalisation, including ensuring that those who wish to have an agent act for them retain that right in a digital world.

On climate change, as well as making the Institute’s operations more climate-friendly, it means thinking about the role of tax in getting to net zero, said Susan, pointing to two recent debates held on this topic, as well as the Institute’s Climate Change Tax Policy Road Map. The Institute can act as a gathering point for debate in this area, she said, as well as providing practitioner perspective on how carbon pricing and other green incentives can be implemented effectively.

On internationalisation, Susan pointed to the trend of increased co-operation across borders on tax, saying that, ‘just as tax authorities are working together so it makes sense for us to join with tax bodies elsewhere in the world – learning, sharing best practice’. She highlighted the Institute’s role in CFE Tax Advisers Europe, the growth of ADIT and the addition of the South African Institute of Taxation to the ranks of those bodies licensed to use the CTA designation (see below) as illustrations of this.

Susan also used her speech at the Institute’s AGM on 31 May to draw attention to an anticipated consultation on raising standards within the tax profession, restating the Institute’s position that, rather than creating a costly new regulator, the government should build on the good work already being done by professional bodies. She also expressed her concern about the ongoing difficulties both advisers and taxpayers have getting timely responses and action from HMRC.

Susan also used her speech to congratulate Her Majesty the Queen in the week of her Platinum Jubilee, saying: ‘You don’t need to be a royalist to admire her hard work and dedication. All of us at CIOT offer her our hearty congratulations on this amazing achievement.’