Shape AAT’s future – and accelerate your development – by joining Council

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Joining the AAT Council is a chance to shape AAT and the profession, while accelerating your personal development.

Do you have what it takes to become an AAT Council member? Or does AAT Council have what it takes to captivate you?

Be ready to be surprised.

Develop AAT’s vision

AAT is in a time of change. A new CEO is building a long-term strategy to modernise the organisation and make it even more transformational, modern and relevant. And AAT is searching for a diverse range of people from its membership who can help make it happen by bringing their insights and experiences, constructively challenging or contributing ideas.

That could mean you.

Stand for Council

We want a broader range of members to stand for election to AAT Council to help us develop AAT’s new strategic plan. Put yourself forward now.

Nominate yourself

Wider opportunities

“We are looking for AAT members who believe in the organisation and are ready to get even more involved,” says AAT CEO, Sarah Beale. “AAT is ­an organisation that changes lives and has a huge impact socially and in education. We are looking for people to be custodians of that and ensure we continue to go from strength to strength.”

You’ll be joining a council of passionate people, many of whom are from the profession and some who have skill sets in running large organisations. You will also be exposed to the operational running of a complex £35 million organisation.

And whatever your skillset and experience, you will be fully supported.

Accelerate your personal development

Those who have taken the plunge and stood for election to Council have found it massively rewarding in terms of personal development, as members’ experiences show.

Andy Murray, Finance Executive at Lindenmeyr International, confirms this. He became the youngest ever member of AAT Council when he joined in 2020 at the age of 27.

“Being on Council is like free CPD. You learn about governance, pensions, all sorts. I’m exposed to top-level stuff such as corporate governance and best practice: stuff that many professionals my age (I’m 29) rarely get to do. There are also networking opportunities as you’re in direct contact with the AAT executive team and CEO.”

What kind of person is AAT looking for?

AAT is keen to attract a broader cross-section of its membership through elections, especially from larger organisations, industry and the public sector.

“We are looking for all kinds of people from all kinds of experiences to help us shape AAT,” says Sarah Beale.  

“If you have never been a trustee before, that’s fine – we’ll make sure you understand your role and how you fit into governance. If you have experience, that’s valuable too. AAT will support you.”

“What we are looking for is diversity of thought,” says Karen Marshall, Company Secretary.

Andy Murray adds: “We need individuals who can bring skills and experience such as commercial awareness, governance and education. Those with recent experience of the AAT qualification would be good too. We’re looking for people who are open-minded, passionate and unafraid to challenge.”

Heather Durell (pictured above), founding Director of London-based accountancy firm Ask the Boss, was prompted to get involved by an article in AT magazine.

“I’ve only been on AAT Council for six months, but we’ve helped bring about change on everything from vice-presidential nominations to next year’s pricing through to altering CPD requirements for licenced members.”

“We’re currently working on AAT’s 2030 vision, which is very exciting,” she adds, “One of the best things is that the AAT’s executive team, including the CEO, sit on every Council meeting.”

Ready to get involved?

You can stand for election to Council by completing the form available at aat.org.uk.

Case study: John Thornton, Director e-Resources

“You get so much back through the friendships and knowledge you gain”

John Thornton, Director, e-ssential Resources, joined the Council in 2015.

“AAT is a super organisation that achieves so much in the way it changes lives. I was both invited and keen to get involved, because I felt there was so much opportunity to do more. If I could help shape AAT in some way by providing personal feedback about what I and others found valuable, I thought that would be a good thing.”

Thornton stresses you don’t have to have all the answers when you start. Joining Council is a huge opportunity to learn and develop, especially with AAT’s support to learn the ropes.

“Sometimes people think being on Council is a massive role that is frightening. But I felt community and friendship. I was welcomed and made to feel my views mattered and were worthwhile.

“I think what holds people back from getting involved in Council is that members are a “breed apart”. Actually, what is needed is people who can ask the right questions, not necessarily provide the answers.

“In terms of personal growth, it is so valuable. I learned so much from being involved with AAT’s executive team, the chief executive and other council members. It’s not a one way street where you give up time through volunteering. You get so much back through the friendships and knowledge you gain, and personal through growth.”

Stand for Council

We want a broader range of members to stand for election to AAT Council to help us develop AAT’s new strategic plan. Put yourself forward now.

Nominate yourself

David Nunn is Content Manager at AAT.

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