AAT continues to bolster its governance

AAT today announces the appointment of two new independent Chairs, further bolstering the governance team following the appointment of its inaugural Board Chair two weeks ago.

Richard Collins OBE has been appointed Chair of AAT’s Professional Regulation and Standards Compliance Board (PRSC). With a strong background in regulatory and professional body leadership, Richard was an Executive Director at the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Chief Executive at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Julie Swan has been appointed Chair of the Awarding Organisation Compliance Board (AOC). A leader in legal education, qualifications and assessment, Julie is the Director of Education and Training at the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Previously Deputy Chief Regulator at Ofqual, Julie is experienced in qualification reform, regulatory oversight, and accessibility in professional education.

In their roles, which commence on 1 April 2025, Richard Collins and Julie Swan will lead their respective Boards in supporting Sir Stephen Hillier, inaugural Chair of the newly enhanced AAT Trustee Board, ensuring the highest standards of integrity, governance, compliance, and professionalism are upheld at all times.

Michael Steed, President of AAT, says: “This is a transformative moment for AAT as we strengthen our senior governance positions with a hat trick of key appointments in recent weeks.

“These important appointments are a bold step forward in realising our ambitious 2030 vision, ensuring we continue to lead as an innovative, forward-thinking organisation that empowers accounting technicians to thrive in a rapidly evolving profession.

“I am delighted to welcome Richard Collins and Julie Swan to AAT and I am eager to collaborate as we drive the organisation to new heights.

“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing PRSC Chair, Suzie Lyons, and the interim AOC Chair, Marianne Philips. Both have made a strong contribution to AAT since they joined their respective Boards in 2018, and helped lead the Association through a significant period of change.”

Richard Collins, newly appointed Chair of AAT’s Professional Regulation and Standards Compliance Board, says: “I'm pleased to be able to take on a leading role in upholding and developing AAT's high standards in registration, supervision, professional conduct, and money-laundering prevention. Maintaining integrity, compliance, and professionalism are crucial to preserving public trust, and I look forward to working with AAT and its members to uphold these values.”

Julie Swan, Chair of AAT’s Awarding Organisation Compliance Board (AOC), says: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of AAT’s AOC Board and to support the organisation in its mission to uphold excellence and accountability. With AAT delivering qualifications globally, ensuring compliance with UK and international qualifications regulators is crucial to maintaining the highest standards and the trust of AAT members and other stakeholders.”

As part of the governance changes introduced at AAT’s AGM last year, the independent role of the PRSC was strengthened by delegating all standards and regulatory activities to it. This reinforces public confidence by ensuring that regulatory decisions remain free from any conflicts of interest.

Alongside the recent Chair appointments, a Members’ Advisory Council (MAC) is also being created. This new body will amplify the membership voice within AAT’s governance structure, ensuring our community stays at the very heart of AAT’s development. A MAC Appointee will also serve on the Trustee Board, linking governance and representation within the organisation.