HMRC is running an advanced tax training course, particularly targeted at tax authorities in Commonwealth countries, to raise standards of tax collection and compliance
Applications are now open for two international training and development programmes for senior managers and tax auditors offered by HMRC which are intended to offer overseas professionals insight and experience of the UK tax administration.
The programmes, which HMRC runs on behalf of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), begin in mid-April 2015 and include online and residential elements.
HMRC says the programmes attract delegates from many African, Asian and Caribbean countries, though delegates from non-Commonwealth countries are eligible to attend, subject to availability of places.
Attendance on the courses must be funded by the applicant’s own administration, and the course fee is approximately £10,500.
The two options include an Achieving Leadership Potential (ALP), which is a leadership and management programme designed for leaders or managers already in a senior position, or those with the potential to reach the highest levels in their organisation.
The Commonwealth Tax Auditors Course (CTAC) is a programme for auditors and inspectors who are involved in investigation work, and for officers involved in audit or compliance work. HMRC says it will be of most benefit to those who have experience in compliance work and are seeking to enhance their investigation skills, or who are involved in the training or management of new appointees in this field.
Both courses are structured in two phases, beginning with online learning via email with the course director over 14 weeks. This is then followed by six weeks UK-based residential training from 27 July to 4 September 2015 at locations in London and Lincoln.
Participants are advised that the first part of each course requires a time commitment of 30 to 40 hours in total, spread over the three months prior to arrival in the UK. HMRC says the aim is for participants to arrive in the UK with a well-researched project proposal that has involved key stakeholders, which will be developed on the residential programme.
The course director is available until end of September 2016 to provide follow-up online support and advice on the implementation of course action plans and project plans after the participants return home.
The deadline for applications is 13 March 2015 and details are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrcs-international-tax-training-programmes
