AAT’s new Board and governing structure launches

AAT today launches its new governing structure – which has remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade – with a newly appointed Trustee Board and the creation of the Members’ Advisory Council (MAC).

The new skills-based Trustee Board is Chaired by Sir Stephen Hillier and comprises 11 non-executive directors who collectively bring a wealth of senior regulatory, governance, finance, business strategy and social mobility experience. The Trustee Board has the overall responsibility for establishing and overseeing AAT’s strategic direction.

The new MAC body will amplify the membership voice within AAT’s governance structure, ensuring AAT’s community stays at the very heart of the organisation’s development. A MAC Appointee – Jas Bhohi, Managing Director of Kumar & Co Chartered Accountants - will also serve on the Board, linking governance and representation within the organisation.

Sir Stephen Hillier, AAT Chair, says: “Today marks a significant milestone for AAT as we take bold steps towards our ambitious 2030 vision. This transformation goes beyond structure - it’s about building a dynamic, forward-thinking Board that reflects the diversity of our profession and the public. By bringing together a wide range of experience and skills, we are ensuring AAT remains at the forefront of the industry, driving innovation, championing social mobility, and supporting our members and students in an ever-evolving world.

“I look forward to seeing the impact of the Board’s contributions as we continue to strengthen AAT’s influence and support for the profession.”

AAT’s Trustee Board

The new, streamlined 12-person governing body – 20% of which are AAT members - brings professional expertise to guide AAT in its role as a professional body, an awarding organisation, a charity, and a company limited by guarantee.

The Board oversees a framework of delegation with clear levels of authority, enabling relevant matters to be dealt with by supporting committees, boards, panels and the Executive team. To view the Trustees and biographies please scroll down to the ‘notes’ section or click here.

The Members’ Advisory Council (MAC)

AAT President Michael Steed will Chair the MAC whose primary role is to represent members, reflect their diverse insights, and provide advice to AAT and the Trustee Board on matters affecting the AAT community.

Whilst the Trustee Board is the highest governing body and is where AAT’s strategic decisions are ultimately taken, the MAC has important duties to support good governance, including electing a MAC appointee (Jas Bhohi) to serve on the AAT Board as a Trustee for a three-year period.

Michael Steed, AAT President, says: “These changes mark an exciting new chapter for AAT. The Members’ Advisory Council will support the Board through insight, expertise and their individual lived experiences. In doing so we can ensure that we continue to uphold the highest standards while remaining

agile and forward-thinking in an ever-changing business landscape. The MAC brings a wealth of experience that will guide AAT towards an even stronger future.”

The MAC is also responsible for electing AAT's Vice President from amongst its ranks, who then moves into the role of President after a year. To view the MAC members and biographies please click here.

Two new recently announced independent Chairs

In addition to the new Trustee Board and MAC, AAT recently confirmed it is further bolstering its governance team with the appointment of two new independent Chairs. Richard Collins OBE has been appointed Chair of AAT’s Professional Regulation and Standards Compliance Board (PRSC) and Julie Swan appointed Chair of the Awarding Organisation Compliance Board (AOC), both commencing their roles today, 1 April 2025. Both the PRSC and AOC Boards support the Trustees in ensuring ongoing statutory and regulatory compliance.

Ensuring excellence

These changes in its governing structure ensure AAT is future-ready and aligns with the enhanced standards set by the UK’s Charity Governance Code 2020, raising the bar for excellence in governance.