Before applying as a Technical Officer with the ATT on 1 November 2022, I confess that I had little appreciation of the breath of work undertaken by the officers on behalf of members. I now realise just how diverse that work can be, ranging from attending meetings and forums with HM Treasury (HMT) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on the practical implications, and implementation considerations of new and amending legislative proposals and changes, to writing press releases, technical articles and news content for our website.  I've been involved in making representations and recommendations to HMT and HMRC on behalf of our members, expressing members' views in Discussions papers, Consultations and Calls for Evidence.  The work is varied and fulfilling, striving to collaboratively work with the government, HMT and HMRC to create a tax system which meets the principles of fairness, certainty, convenience and efficiency for our members and the wider community.  -  Steven Pinhey

I joined the Professional Standards department here just over a year ago, and I really enjoy working in both our team and for the CIOT/ATT organisations as a whole. We are a small and friendly team (5-6 people). We each have our different responsibilities but they often require working collaboratively - so everyone in the team is important. There is always something new to learn, and the wide variety of tasks we do keeps thing interesting. The whole team works remotely but daily communication is key, and we look forward to meeting up (usually once every month or so) in head office for a specific project, meeting or training event. Jane Mellor (head of Professional Standards) runs the team and always makes herself available to us whenever needed - we definitely support each other to ‘share the load’ at busy times in the year. For me working for the CIOT and ATT has been a welcome breath of fresh air. Our organisations are focused on supporting our members, as well as on education and serving the wider public interest at large on tax matters. As a staff member I value the working environment created here. I feel appreciated for the work that I do and that my input is important. Lots of places talk about diversity, inclusiveness and putting wellbeing on the agenda these days but here I find it’s authentic. I have certainly enjoyed the two extra ‘gift’ days off over Christmas given to staff for the last two years running, the deliveries of delicious treats to my home during ‘remote’ social events, as well as the financial rewards including significant employer pension contributions and extra health benefit packages.  Personally, I am glad to be here – it’s a great place to work. - Helen Ballantine