The Centre for Tax Governance (CETAG) of the Accountability and Governance Research Cluster was launched in 2015 and combines research from accounting and management, law and social policy. The centre focuses broadly on accountability and governance rather than accounting, law or public administration alone.
Every year the CETAG organises a conference that brings together experts from a variety of academic disciplines and professional fields. On 30 January, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual event at Fazeley Studios in Birmingham City Centre. The conference started with an opening speech by Professor Catherine Cassel, Dean of the Business School, and Professor Penelope Tuck who welcomed the presenters and attendees and introduced the theme for the day. This year’s conference focused on the topical theme of “Taxation of society: A responsible view of tax compliance?”
The presenters came from various backgrounds and professional areas, bringing together the wealth of academic and professional expertise from various countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The topics presented and discussed concentrated on taxation, corporate social responsibility, tax avoidance, tax professionals, accountability, transparency, sustainability, ethics, and morality. It was inspiring to see those from often opposing positions engaging in constructive and thought-provoking debates around taxation and responsibility.
The coffee breaks were buzzing as ideas were exchanged and the subject of taxation was brought to life. The academic attendees benefitted from the practical views of professionals, whilst the latter had an exciting opportunity to engage with academic research questions.
The panel discussion was a great end to the day and allowed debates between the audience and panel members which included Caroline Macfarland, Professor Ian Thompson, Professor Lisa Mariott and Richard Freeeman. The discussion raised issues around taxation and corporate responsibility from a practical, academic and professional point of view and also touched on how moral and ethical understandings of tax issues have evolved over time. The conference finished with closing remarks from Professor Tuck who thanked those who attended and for their participation. The attendees left the conference feeling inspired with new ideas and developed new friendships and connections. We all look forward to the CETAG conference next year!