AAT to strengthen voice with new Member Advisory Council

President Kevin Bragg provides members with an update on AAT Council’s proposed changes intended to improve governance, member voice

As we approach the Annual General Meeting on 25 October, I want to take this opportunity to update you on the work of the AAT Council and what the governance proposals mean for you. 

Since my update in July, your initial interest in our proposals has been heartening. Thank you for allowing us time to refine our ideas into a shared vision. While some details are still being finalised, at this stage there is now much I can confirm about the fundamentals of what Council will be recommending to members to vote on.  

The current AAT Council is of view that our governance structure needs to be updated. We recognise that in the decade since AAT’s last substantive governance review, much has changed. 

The 2020 update to the Charity Governance Code has raised the bar for what good governance looks like. We believe our structure needs to align with the updated code. 

That is why we collectively support introduction of a new, elevated skills-based Trustee Board comprising 12 directors and trustees in possession of the skills requisite for AAT’s effective governance, at least 20 percent of whom must be AAT members.  

As leaders in our field and champions of responsible business, it is incumbent upon AAT to put into practice industry standards wherever they are available. 

AAT has also changed. In my eight years on Council, we have made significant strides. This is especially the case under CEO Sarah Beale's energetic leadership we’ve had the benefit of in the last two years. The 2030 Strategy we launched charts out an ambitious vision, but we need robust governance capable of carrying us there. If our members are the engine powering AAT, then strong governance is the chassis on which all else relies to take us forward. 

What will the new structure look like? 

The proposed new structure aligns us with the latest best practice in good governance. It does this while also delivering a stronger, more effective voice for members at every level. 

It allows for diverse, relevant skills at the top table, while maintaining a hardwired connection to our membership – the heart of AAT. 

1. A new Board of 12 directors/trustees, with at least 20% being AAT members. 
2. Creation of a Members' Advisory Council (MAC): This new body will ensure oversight and amplify the membership voice within our governance structure.  
3. Member voice at all levels: Members will remain at the heart of everything we do, through the branch network committees, the MAC, and on the Board.  
4. Skills-based board: While maintaining member representation, we'll also ensure the new governing Board has the requisite skillset to guide AAT effectively into the future. 
5. A MAC-elected representative serving on the Board, linking governance and representation. 

How will member voices be heard? 

The MAC will be a powerful voice for our membership, seeing up to 50 MAATs, FMAATs, and AATQBs brought together from diverse backgrounds to speak up for members. This larger, more representative body will set its own agenda and provide regular advisory reports to the Board. 

By separating governance duties from representation, the MAC can focus on issues that matter most to members. It will also ensure the student voice is heard by inviting a student group to attend the MAC regularly. 

The MAC will elect a delegate to join the Trustee Board, which must have at least 20% of its positions filled by AAT members. This ensures members’ perspectives are always present at the highest level of decision-making. But this a mimimim – not a maximum. Given the exceptional calibre of our membership, we fully expect to see more AAT members appointed on their merit as part of a new skills-based Board appointments process. 

Please rest assured that members will continue to choose the important roles of President and Vice President going forward as we do now, but via the MAC. This maintains AAT’s proud tradition of member leadership. My successors as President will continue to chair general meetings, including the AGM. Every member who currently has a right to attend, speak at, and vote in, general meetings, will continue to do so. That does not change. 

What about checks and balances? 

We've built several safeguards into the proposed new structure: 

1. Board decisions require at least five directors present, including at least one AAT member. 
2. The MAC will have input on key decisions, such as changes to membership grades, AAT’s public policy positions, and the appointment of Honorary members. 
3. You, as members, retain the ultimate power to remove directors under company law. 

What happens next? 

If the changes are approved by members at the October AGM, we'll enter a transition period. An Interim Trustee Board will be formed from current Council members to oversee the recruitment of the new Board. By April 2025, we aim to have the new structure fully in place. 

I know change can be unsettling, but I am convinced these changes can make AAT even more vibrant, responsive, and better equipped to serve members in the years ahead. We're not just adapting to best practices; we're positioning ourselves to lead in professional body governance and unlock the voice, passion and energy of our members. 

Online voting and AGM 

Our democratic services partner Civica will email eligible members with voting credentials and AGM attendance details in due course during September. They will provide you with Council's proposals in full to amend AAT's Articles of Association, along with the implications of these proposals, according to independent governance experts, RSM. 

I encourage you to review this information and form your own view. If you have questions, please email theagm@aat.org.uk and one of our knowledgeable Governance team will be happy to provide you with further information. 

Your input is crucial. Attend the AGM if you can, but most importantly – exercise your right to vote.  

Finishing my lap 

The AGM is also the moment in AAT’s calendar when the President vacates his or her driver’s seat and hands over the keys to their successor. I reflect on a remarkably productive year for AAT with much positive change. As an organisation, we have truly lived life in the fast lane. 

Keeping pace takes the efforts of a whole team. Whilst there will be time for acknowledgement in due course, for now I wish simply to say thank you. 

Thank you to our branch volunteers, Members’ Assembly delegates, Council colleagues, members of our professional oversight and expert advisory panels, and to Sarah and her team. 

Thank you to our everyday AAT champions. You have kept me buoyed with your passion and commitment to AAT as I’ve toured the country meeting you. 

Thank you and farewell. 

Kevin