MAC elections: everything you need to know about the new Members’ Advisory Council

What has changed? 

At October's AGM, members voted overwhelmingly to adopt changes to AAT's governing structure. The change establishes a new AAT Board, led by a Chair and 11 other Trustees as our highest decision-making body, aligning AAT with the best practice guidance contained within the Charity Governance Code since its 2020 update. 

The change also establishes a new up-to-50-person Members' Advisory Council (MAC) with scope for student involvement.  

Voting eligibility has been expanded to allow AAT licensed bookkeepers to stand for most positions and vote in AAT elections and at general meetings. 

What remains the same? 

Only our governance arrangements and voting eligibility have been amended. AAT’s local branch network, the services available for members, and the regulations determining who can become (or stay) an AATQB, MAAT or FMAAT, all remain unchanged. 

About the Members’ Advisory Council (MAC) 

The MAC's 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. The MAC comprises up to 50 members who are either elected or co-opted to the body.  

The MAC provides a pivotal link between our new governing Board and AAT members, gathering varied perspectives from across our diverse membership to help inform AAT's strategic direction and support the MAC’s advice to the Board. 

Through focused discussions and active engagement with both AAT's membership and the wider profession, the MAC and its members will strengthen our ability to anticipate current members’ changing needs and those of our future members, our current students. 

While there is provision for student involvement in the MAC, details are to be confirmed in coming months as the MAC becomes fully operational. 

The MAC’s key roles 

Insight 
 
The MAC will monitor and report on professional and industry trends and developments - from emerging changes in outsourcing and talent to developments in digital adoption and sustainability. This forward-looking role helps AAT anticipate future member needs and shape proactive responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. 
 
Advisory 
 
The MAC acts as a sounding board on key initiatives, providing structured feedback on product development, membership categories, and helping shape AAT's positions on public policy issues. This ensures proposals are evaluated through the lens of their impact on different membership segments. 
 
Ambassadorial  
 
MAC members represent and champion AAT externally through activities like judging industry awards, representing AAT at third-party events, and advocating for the value of professional membership, of accounting technicians, and for AAT pathways, through their networks in the community and on social media. 

The MAC's governance duties

While 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 to serve on the AAT Board as a Trustee for a three-year period. 

The MAC is also responsible for electing AAT's Vice-President from amongst its ranks, who then becomes President after a year. The AAT President serves as chair of the MAC during their term. 

What do members of the MAC do? 

As MAC member, you will be part of a vital body for helping to shape AAT's future direction. Working alongside fellow professionals from diverse backgrounds, you'll help ensure a range of member perspectives inform AAT's strategic decisions. 

Through focused discussions and active engagement, you'll contribute to improving AAT services and support for members, help shape our policy positions, and practically support our initiatives.  

While you’ll certainly be expected to bring your own experience and insights to the table, contributing to focused discussions – the MAC member also has a key role in representing both the broader membership and views from your specific community within AAT. 

Your role combines strategic thinking with insight gathering and community building, connecting members to opportunities to be more engaged with their association while championing AAT’s values as an ambassador representing AAT at third party community and industry events. 

As you help AAT to anticipate emerging professional challenges, member needs, and opportunities for impact, you'll contribute to the improvement of existing services, help shape AAT’s policy positions, and help AAT to and new initiatives supporting members.
 
Time commitment for members of the MAC 

• MAC members serve a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term 
• Up to 10 days per year of MAC-related preparation, meetings, ambassadorial work 
• 3x two-hour meetings annually (two online, one in-person: all during working week) 
• Ambassador activities throughout the year 

Remuneration 

• This is a voluntary role. Travel expenses and reasonable costs are reimbursed in line with AAT's Expenses Policy. 

Expected knowledge and experience 

• Understanding of AAT's core purpose and professional landscape 
• Awareness of current issues and trends in the accounting profession 
• Familiarity with AAT's membership grades and qualifications 
• Knowledge of professional communities connected to AAT's work 
• Experience in representing member interests or community engagement 

Expected skills and qualities 

• Understanding of and commitment to AAT's mission and values 
• Commitment to equality and diversity principles 
• Strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Collaboration and teamwork skills 
• Ability to represent and advocate for member interests 
• Openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to learn 

Required commitments and eligibility requirements 

To stand for (and vote in) in the MAC elections, you must be a MAAT, FMAAT or licensed bookkeeper (AATQBs with a valid licence). Only these members are eligible to nominate under AAT’s Articles of Association. 

All candidates will receive a Code of Conduct upon nomination and must confirm acceptance of its terms upon appointment. 

Stand for the MAC: 10 positions available  

Members of the MAC are appointed through a combination of election and co-option, ensuring diverse representation across AAT’s communities.  

Following nomination and eligibility review, members eligible to vote choose their preferred candidates via a postal ballot. The process is managed by AAT's democratic services partner, Civica. 

How to nominate yourself for these elections 

Submit your nomination form which is available at: aat.org.uk/getinvolved , including: 

• Personal election statement (maximum 200 words) 
• Electronic photograph for ballot paper 
• Email submission to governance@aat.org.uk by noon, 31 January 2025 

Writing your 'blurb': what makes for a compelling election statement? 

Your 200-word statement should outline: 

• Your relevant skills and experience 
• How you would contribute to the MAC 
• Your motivation for standing 
• Your understanding of member needs 
• Your vision for supporting AAT's development 

Key dates for MAC elections 

• 10 January 2025: Nominations open to eligible members 
• 31 January 2025: Nominations close 
• 25 February 2025: Voting opens 
• 11 March 2025: Voting closes 
• 31 March 2025: Results announced 
• 1 April 2025: Successful candidates take office and their terms begin 
• April 2025: Induction  

AAT welcomes applications from all members and particularly encourages nominations from those working in the public sector, employed in practice or working industry to ensure balanced representation. 

The Trustee Board: AAT's new governing body  

AAT’s Trustee Board is a new, streamlined 12-person governing body that has overall responsibility for establishing and overseeing delivery against AAT's strategy. At least 20% of Trustees must be AAT members, bringing their professional expertise to guide our £33 million-turnover organisation that is 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. 

Trustees have duties to ensure ongoing statutory and regulatory compliance, supported by the Professional Regulations and Standards Compliance Board (PRSC) and Awarding Organisation Compliance Board (AOC). 

Apply for the Board: 11 positions open for Trustees 

We are seeking skilled professionals who can bring specific expertise to help guide AAT's future development and ensure its continued success. 

We welcome applications from qualified and experienced individuals who can demonstrate professional expertise in key areas such as finance, audit, risk management, HR, or strategic planning. We particularly encourage applications from: 

• Those with previous board or committee experience 
• Professionals with leadership or senior management backgrounds 
• Individuals with specific committee expertise (Finance, Audit, HR) 
• Those with charity sector knowledge and governance experience 
• Candidates who can enhance the Board's diversity of skills and perspectives 
• Those commited to AAT's mission and values 

How to apply for the Trustee Board  

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as AAT’s recruitment partner for Trustee appointments. Please visit their recruitment portal here for more information and to begin the application process. Alternatively, you can navigate to www.saxbam.com/appointments, entering the listing reference ‘QBRED’ when prompted. 

Note: Applications should be received by noon on 10 February 2025. The links provided here are related to the current appointment process only, and therefore will become inaccessible beyond this date

Each application for a Trustee roles requires: : 

• Comprehensive CV 
• Supporting statement demonstrating board-level expertise 
• Evidence of professional experience in required areas 

Key dates for Board appointments 

• 13 January 2025: Applications open 
• 10 February 2025: Applications close 
• Mid-late February 2025: Shortlisting takes place
• March 2025: Panel interviews 
• 31 March 2025: Appointments confirmed 
• 1 April 2025: Successful applicants become Trustees and terms commence  
• April 2025: Induction