President’s page

As I write this article, I will have been exactly 12 months in post as your CIOT President. Normally, they would have ‘kicked’ me out by now but I am serving another six months under the CIOT Presidential (Transitional Covid-19 Regulations) Order 2020! In this month’s page, I provide some ‘highlights’ of my President’s Page throughout this year.

January 2021: Love Is All Around (Low Incomes Tax Reform Group)

‘I think we can justly be very proud of the great work of our Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG). LITRG has worked tirelessly this year to help the public – especially the vulnerable – to understand and navigate through the complex web of Covid-19 assistance measures.

Update: So far this year, LITRG has had a staggering number of over 5.3 million visitors across its two websites.

February 2021: Empty Chairs at Empty tables (CTA Examinations Team)

‘Given the uncertainties faced with the Covid-19 disruption, we had to accelerate our plans to use computer-based exams. The maintenance of our exam system is one of the many difficult Covid-related challenges that our Institute has faced and we have passed with flying colours. We are very proud of the dedication and commitment shown by all our examination teams in delivering this important milestone in our CTA exams.’

March 2021: A Hard Day’s Night (CIOT Technical Committees and Team)

‘We are particularly delighted with our increased technical engagement throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been substantially assisted by the ability to hold virtual meetings (without the need to travel). This has resulted in an increased number of meetings and greater input from our network of expert technical volunteers. These factors have certainly increased the technical quality of our ideas and submissions.’

May 2021:  Heroes (including CIOT volunteers and Baroness Tanni Grey‑Thompson)

‘Thanks to the imagination and determination of our events team, we were able to deliver another CIOT “first” during Covid-19 – our first virtual President’s lunch. I was very impressed that we were able to deliver individual buffet lunches to our 50 or so guests across the breadth of the country – a huge logistical challenge. And continuing my theme of heroes, we were absolutely thrilled and delighted to have Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson deliver our keynote address and take part in an enjoyable Q&A.’ 

June 2021: True Colours (new CIOT website and logo)

‘Our Institute now has a totally revamped website and new modern branding. We have spent a considerable amount of time on this worthy project.’ 

July 2021: All Around The World (ADIT)

‘With some 5,000 Affiliates and students, ADIT is our fastest growing qualification. ADIT Affiliates and students work in many different organisations, including Big Four firms, in-house tax teams, legal and accounting practices and Revenue authorities. Some people also choose to do ADIT at the same time as their degree courses.’

August 2021: Magic Moments (volunteer ‘thank you’ event)

‘In 2020, some 680 volunteers across CIOT and ATT Committees, Steering Groups and Councils together contributed 19,922 hours. I was so pleased that we were able to put together a fantastic online evening event on 1 July for our volunteers to show our sincere appreciation of their valuable contributions. We had over 80 members joining us on the night and our enthusiastic blue-badge guides offered a choice of one of four fascinating virtual tours.’

September 2021: Heart and Soul (CIOT/ATT Branch events)

‘Since the start of the lockdown in March 2020, we have aired 158 webinar events. In total, we have registered over 39,600 attendees. We’ve been proud to have delivered a diverse range of online content, often chaired by your local branches.’

November 2021: The Wind Beneath My Wings (TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People)

‘Many people with tax problems also need bespoke personal advice. And if they can’t afford to pay for it, where do they turn? This is where TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People provide much needed support and advice. Each year, these two sister charities help around 17,000 vulnerable people.’ If you are thinking of making a seasonal charitable donation, please read more about these tax charities in the article by Glyn Fullelove on page 38.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you and your families a wonderful and restorative festive break. Take care.

In this month’s page, I provide some ‘highlights’ of my President’s Page throughout this year.