Branch network testimonials

"Volunteering with the Branch network has been a brilliant way to get involved with the Institute and meet a great bunch of like-minded people.

As well as getting the warm, fluffy feeling from helping people and furthering the charity's aims, it's also helped me personally to expand my network, my technical knowledge and, as someone who didn't used to relish speaking in public, my confidence and presentation skills."

Zoe Roberts, Branch Network Co-Chair

"I Enjoy being a part of the CIOT & ATT community and want to contribute to shaping its future for the benefit of other members. I also enjoy the variety volunteering brings to my day job and love meeting new people, working as a team and learning new skills along the way."

Sharlene Botterill, New Tax Professionals Committee

"I wanted to help others better understand the tax landscape and build networks. I also wanted to better understand the changing needs of members and actively encourage diversity across all platforms within both the Assocation and the Institute."

Sarah Hewson, London Branch Chair

"I volunteer because it has been and continues to be an amazing journey. It has taught me things I would not have learnt elsewhere. It has taken me to places I would have never visited."

Jeremy Coker, ATT President

"A Basic rule of life that I believe to be true - the more you give, the more you receive. As I approach 44 years as a CIOT member I am pleased to note it is as true now as it was in 1977 - so many people have contributed so much".

Lakshmi Narain, South Wales Branch Committee

"I have enjoyed the European Branch meetings over the years, which has significantly improved my international tax knowledge. Volunteers help the branch provide great events to members and the wider public."

Clive Gawthorpe, European Branch Chair

"It is a very full feeling experience and giving back to the community. I would highly recommend any fellow members to join their branches. You get much much more in return compared to the time you devote."

Viral Haria, Harrow and North London Branch Committee

"I volunteer because I enjoy giving back to the community, promoting the ATT and CIOT, and playing a part in helping shape the future of the body."

Kieron Batham-Tomkins, Sheffield Branch Chair

"I volunteer as I have gained so much from the CIOT and ATT.

I could say so much more than this - for a start I genuinely feel that the two bodies and their members are my tax family. The warmth I feel when we are all at the residential conferences is amazing, it is like coming home."

Patricia Caputo, Mid-Anglia Branch Committee

"I have been a volunteer now for a number of years and I love it. Not only have I learned a lot, it has helped with my career and my confidence in the tax world. Most importantly I have made so many friends on the way, I call them my tax family, and I know whatever the question there is someone there I can turn to."

Jo Routier, Branch Network Co-Chair

"I became involved as a volunteer as soon as I qualified by joining as a branch committee member and then by attending member residential conferences. I soon realised I became part of a great tax 'family' and have made many great enduring friendships (and met my wonderful wife Patricia!) along the way. In later years I was delighted to join the CIOT council. I certainly see my volunteer role as giving something back to the tax profession that has given me great pleasure and insights."

Peter Rayney, CIOT President

"I have been on my local branch committee and the 0MB technical committee for around 12 years now, and in particular have also had the opportunity to get heavily involved with discussions around R&D. It has been great to make so many connections with popular and high profile tax professionals, as well as having the opportunity to be at the forefront of discussions around tax policy in my areas of interest." 

James Geary, Severn Valley Branch Chair 

"I volunteer so that I can be part of an Institute that has an enviable reputation and is held in such high regard and esteem throughout the accountancy and tax professions, to contribute to its work for the greater good of society, businesses and individuals and so we can "make a difference" and lead the conversation on taxation matters. 

I also feel that volunteering for the East Midlands Branch has enhanced my career profile, has considerably increased my professional network of contacts, and of course I have made some real life-long friends over the years!' 

Stephen Foulkes, East Midlands Branch Chair 

"I have been a member of the Association of Technicians for many years and been involved in the tax profession for many years longer. I feel that it is important to be able to "give back'' to ensure that members who are forging their careers are given the best technical support and are able to get together with others at meetings and other events so that they will become the support network of the future." 

Stuart Jessop, Sussex Branch Committee 

"I joined the New Tax Professionals committee in January 2020 as I wanted to be a part of helping people early in their own careers. My role within the committee is the Social Media and Communications Representative.,, 

Makayla White, New Tax Professionals Committeee 

"I volunteer as I want to make a difference to our tax community. Giving back, sharing knowledge, supporting our tax community makes our community stronger which ultimately helps those who we provide advice to." 

Toyin Oyeneyin, New Tax Professionals Chair 

"I became a volunteer for the branch because I saw the opportunity to help other sole practitioners and to provide a means for them to network and obtain their CPD11

Elizabeth Bagg, Somerset & Dorset Branch Committee 

"I am proud to be a part of the prestigious ATT and CIOT community and in my opinion, the time and support I give on the technical committees is more than remunerated by firstly how much I personally learn, and secondly in the friendships that I have found within them:' 

Megan Saksida, European Branch Committee