Call for applications – TRN Chair/President

December 2, 2024

We are delighted to invite applications for the role of TRN Chair/President.  This role involves providing strategic leadership for the organisation, acting as its public face and furthering its aims of supporting tax research and education within and outside the UK.

This is a senior leadership role, and it is expected that applicants will have a minimum of 5 years post-PhD academic experience, or equivalent seniority in a professional career.  The role is not limited to UK-based individuals, but successful applicants must be prepared to arrange and attend relevant meetings (online where necessary) within UK working hours.

Applications should be sent to dad34@cam.ac.uk by 15 January 2025 and should include an up-to-date CV and an explanation of the applicant’s intended approach to the role (max 2 pages A4).

Selection timetable

The TRN Board will prepare a shortlist as soon as possible after the closing date.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to carry out a brief presentation and Q&A at an online meeting of TRN members in late January.  Attendees will be invited to ask questions and provide feedback to the Board, which will make a decision by the end of February.   The handover is expected to take place as soon as possible and in any case by 1 July 2025, though a transition period can be arranged if the successful candidate would find this helpful.  If you have any questions about this process, please let us know on dad34@cam.ac.uk.

Role description

The TRN President provides strategic leadership for the organisation, acts as its public face and furthers the TRN’s aims of supporting tax research and education within and outside the UK.  It is a prestigious senior leadership role that is highly valued within the sector and would be suitable for either an established tax academic or a tax professional at an equivalent career stage.  In formal terms, it consists of an unpaid Directorship of TRN Ltd, a company limited by guarantee, of which all profits are reinvested into research and education.  Professional indemnity insurance is available.  In more detail, the TRN President is expected to carry out the following tasks:

1. With the Board, provide strategic leadership for all areas of TRN activity including:
   • promoting the TRN’s activities and membership;
   • allocating responsibilities within the TRN Board;
   • coordinating TRN subcommittees (Research, Education and Communications);
   • building relationships with related organisations including CIOT and ICAEW;
   • overseeing funding and development activities;
   • selecting the annual conference venue;
   • arranging publicity and profile-building activities;
   • developing the TRN’s future strategic, operational and organisational direction.
2. Act as a point of contact for assisting local organisers of annual conferences.
3. Chair periodic Board meetings in support of the TRN’s research and educational activities and of its annual practical and legal requirements.
4. With the Finance Director, comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including submitting annual accounts to Companies House and tax returns to HMRC.