National Officers and Specialist Appointments

The VPG is an unincorporated association that is directed by the VPG Council. The National Officers of the VPG report to, and form part of, the VPG Council. None of the VPG’s National Officers are remunerated.

With the exception of the President (who is appointed by the VPG Council), National Officers are elected for a two-year term at the Annual General Meeting of the VPG. Any member of the VPG is entitled to stand for election to a National Officer post.

The National Officers of the VPG are:

President (Michael Conlon QC, Temple Tax Chambers)

Time in post –Since 1998

The President’s role is ambassadorial and advisory, particularly on Constitutional matters.
The President hosts the VPG President’s Reception, usually held annually.
The President attends Council meetings, the Annual Conference and also sits on the Strategic Committee.

National Chairman (Etienne Wong, Old Square Tax Chambers)

Time in post – Since June 2018

Next election date – June 2020

The National Chairman of the VPG is responsible for:

– Presiding over the VPG Council by setting the Agenda for and chairing meetings of the VPG    Council;
– Setting the Agenda for and chairing the Annual General Meeting of the VPG;
– Coordinating the National Officer elections;
– Ensuring the VPG Constitution is fit for purpose;
– Co-operating with other organisations on behalf of the VPG.

 National Deputy Chairman (Michael Ridsdale, Wedlake Bell LLP)

Time in post – since June 2018

Next election date – June 2020

The National Deputy Chairman assists the National Chairman and stands in for the National Chairman at external and internal meetings as required. The National Deputy Chairman also sits on various sub committees as and when required.

National Technical Chairman (Ruth Corkin, Hillier Hopkins LLP)

Time in post – since 2013

Next Election date – June 2019

The Technical Chairman of the VPG works closely with the National Chairman and chairs the National Technical Committee of the VPG. The Technical Committee are responsible for discussing technical issues and producing the technical submissions to external bodies such as HMRC and the EC Commission from the VPG. VPG Members can nominate themselves to sit on the Technical Committee by contacting the National Technical Chairman.

The National Technical Chairman:

– chairs the Annual Conference committee, agrees the conference content, arranges speakers and chairs the conference

–  manages the technical content of the web site

–  represents the VPG on various external committees including HMRC’s Joint VAT Consultative Committee, the ICAEW VAT and Duties Committee and the HMRC Tax Agent Strategy Committee.

National Secretary (Robert Plumbly, PEM)

Time in post – since June 2018

Next Election date – June 2020

The National Secretary is responsible for administrative matters concerning the VPG and, in particular, membership.

The post includes organising the Annual General Meeting and working with the National Chairman in setting the agenda for each Council meeting and preparing the minutes.

The National Secretary is also a member of various sub committees.

National Treasurer (Hilary Bevan, Baines Jewitt)

Time in post –appointed by Council June 2013

The National Treasurer assists the National Officers by maintaining the financial records of the VPG. This includes : –

– Setting budgets
– Monitoring actual activity against budgets and explaining variations
– Attending and reporting to Council at Council meetings
– Preparing annual accounts for the AGM

Technical Secretary (Robert Killington)

Time in Post – appointed by Council c. 2000

The Technical secretary supports the National Technical Chairman. Primarily this consists
of : –

– Producing the weekly technical bulletin
– Updating the Technical aspects of the web site
– Attending meetings as required by the National Technical Chairman in her absence
– Sitting on the Technical Committee

This post is periodically put up for tender as this is a paid position.

National Publicity Chairman (Lyndsey Frawley, Barrister, Temple Tax Chambers)

Time in post: Since September 2016

This is a newly appointed role. The National Publicity Chairman is responsible for assisting the national officers with the broader promotion of the VPG to its members and externally.

National Administrator (Sue Holman)

Time in Post: Appointed 26 years ago.

The National Administrator supports Council and members.

– Keeps membership records up to date on website.
– Produces subscription invoices and follows up payment.
– Collects and banks fees and records bank payments.
– Arranges Council Meetings and AGM.
– Central contact for the VPG.

This post is a paid position.