CIOT: Institute appoints Sir Alistair Graham as council observer

CIOT: Institute appoints Sir Alistair Graham as council observer

CIOT: Institute appoints Sir Alistair Graham as council observer

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has announced the appointment of Sir Alistair Graham as Lay Public Interest Observer of the Institute’s Council.

Sir Alistair is a well recognised figure in public life, currently serving as Chair of the Independent Mobile Classification Body. His most high profile role was as Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life between 2004 and 2007.

As Lay Observer, Sir Alistair will advise the Institute’s Council on the public interest regarding the Institute’s activities and will support the Institute’s adherence to its charitable responsibilities.

CIOT President Vincent Oratore said:

“I am delighted that Sir Alistair has agreed to take on the role of Lay Observer. He is a greatly respected public figure with a long record of public service. He is well known for his independent mind and commitment to probity and high standards.

“The Institute’s charitable responsibilities and public interest objectives are of paramount importance to us. We are proud of the role we play in maintaining high standards in the tax profession and in making the tax system work better for all those who come into contact with it, including those on low incomes.”

The appointment of the Lay Public Interest Council Observer is for a period of two years with the possibility of extension of the term to four years. An Observer may serve for a maximum of two terms (eight years).

Notes to Editors

1) Short biography of Sir Alistair Graham

Born in 1942, Sir Alistair Graham worked for the Civil and Public Services Association Trade Union between 1966 and 1986, rising to become General Secretary, before being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Industrial Society (now The Work Foundation). He forged strong links with the industrial sector, becoming the Chief Executive of Calderdale and Kirklees Training and Enterprise Council from 1991 to 1996, and then of Leeds Enterprise and Training Council from 1996 to 2000. From 1997 to 2000 he served as Chairman of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland, for which he was knighted in the Millennium Honours List. Sir Alistair was appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 2003 and became Chairman of the Committee in 2004, holding the post until 2007. Until October 2008 he was Chairman of the British Transport Police Authority, having previously served as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority.

Sir Alistair is currently Chair of the Independent Mobile Classification Body (IMCB), which is responsible for setting a classification framework (including ’18’ ratings) for pictures, videos and games on mobile phones and other mobile devices.

2) The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is a charity and the leading professional body in the United Kingdom concerned solely with taxation. The CIOT’s primary purpose is to promote education and study of the administration and practice of taxation. One of the key aims is to achieve a better, more efficient, tax system for all affected by it – taxpayers, advisers and the authorities.

The CIOT’s 15,000 members have the practising title of ‘Chartered Tax Adviser’ and the designatory letters ‘CTA’.

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George Crozier
External Relations Manager

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The Chartered Institute of Taxation
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