What is ESG?

ESG governance is about how businesses conduct themselves, for example, corporate reporting, transparency, tax and legal risk frameworks, tax strategy and responsible business practices.

Today many consumers are choosing businesses for their ethical and climate change behaviour, as well as robust ESG frameworks. In addition, new regulations are requiring organisations to increase transparency in areas such as diversity, equal pay and carbon emissions.

Tax can be used as a driver to support the business case for ESG change within a business. For example, tax reliefs on electric vehicles. The ATT regularly meets with HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to help ensure that the viewpoints of the taxpayer and tax practitioners are taken into account in the development of HMRC's policy and practice.

ATT and our ESG

Environmental

The ATT regularly reviews its carbon footprint, both in terms of the travel being undertaken by staff and volunteers, as well as the suppliers we use. Since the onset of the pandemic we have successfully moved to virtual meetings and going forward have made the decision to hold a hybrid mix of face-to-face and virtual meetings, meaning fewer journeys to our Head Office. 

We have digitised our paper-based records and are reducing our reliance on single use cups and plastics within the office. The tendering process for the new Tax Adviser magazine has resulted in our new publisher committing to providing a more environmentally-friendly approach. All of our hard copy publications provided to members are also available as on-line editions and members are free to opt out of receiving the hard copies if they prefer.

You may find these articles of interest:

• From COP27 to carbon credits (written for and available on Accountancy Age) 

• Would an electric van spark interest for your business?

Social

The ATT has a set of core values which we use to uphold our decision-making and drive forward the best atmosphere for our staff, students, members and volunteers. We have a key focus on diversity and look to be inclusive of all those who might struggle to finance their training with the Tax Advisers' Benevolent Fund (TABF). We also have a grant scheme to support organisations whose activity would contribute to ATT's key aims. We regularly communicate with employers both through meetings and distribution of our Employer Focus newsletter.

You may find these articles of interest:

• Tap into tax benefits of staff learning sign language
• Pension dashboards
• Bridge the Gap

Governance

The ATT, as a professional body, looks to uphold a high level of governance and professional standards, for ourselves, our students, our members and employers. Our Articles of Association is our governing document and as both a charity and company limited by guarantee, we have obligations in respect of the Charity Commission and Companies House. Our Council members act as both Trustees of the Charity and Directors of the Company. Council sets the strategic direction of the Association and certain functions are delegated to our Steering Groups and Committees. Our head office team are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Charity and Company. An Annual Report is prepared each year which outlines the activities undertaken by the ATT.

Members and students are required to comply with ATT's code of professional conduct. This includes Professional Rules and Practice Guidelines (PRPG) and Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT). In addition, all members are required to follow the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations and members in practice are required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). In our role as an HM Treasury approved anti-money laundering (AML) supervisor, we are the anti-money laundering supervisor for in excess of 500 firms.

You may also find these of interest:

• Corporate complaints policy
• Taxation Disciplinary Board