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Heather Self is
a new entry this year
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The Women in Tax network has grown in size and reputation in
2016 and, as one of the founding members, Heather Self has been
a key person in driving its growth since its conception in
2015.
The objective of the network is to both raise the voice of
women within the tax sphere and support women working in the
field. The network's meetings involve discussions on tax issues
with expert women speaking, rather than discussing women's
issues. "It's about making sure that women are getting equal
recognition," Self said.
With more than 30 years' experience in international tax,
Heather became fed up of attending tax events will all-male
panels. "Women in Tax was a reaction to all-male panels and a
particular event in the summer of 2015 where not only did it
have an all-male panel but the chairman praised his balanced
panel. At that point a small number of us said, enough is
enough. We said to each other is there a network for women in
tax and if not should we see if there is any interest in
starting one?" Self explained.
"Those of us who started it off were mainly people at later
stages of our careers who haven't been quite the first women to
reach senior levels, but have been relatively rare. We now very
much want to provide support to younger women and say it can be
done and that we're here to support and help. It's a really
supportive network."
Self offers her experience to other members of the network
working in international tax and as a regular panel speaker at
tax events, as well as a commentator on BBC News.
Women in Tax has grown and now has branches in multiple
cities in the UK including London, Manchester, Bristol and
Leeds. Since its launch in November 2015, the network has held
several successful events in Manchester and London and
regularly holds technical breakfast meetings in Leeds.
Self, a familiar voice on Twitter, has keenly utilised the
social media site to promote the network throughout the UK and
internationally.
Since Women in Tax was launched, Self's efforts in promoting
the network has raised significant awareness. So much so that
she has been approached by multiple organisations looking to
balance their panels with expert women at their events.
"I've also noticed that it's not just women but also men
commenting on all male panels. I think all-male panels are
becoming more noticeable," she said. "We are starting to
develop the power of the network and I'm pleased that this is
something that has taken off and is really meeting a need."
In 2017, Self plans to target the international sphere with
Women in Tax, hoping to find interested people to set up their
own branches in other countries that can connect with the
network. This becomes more of a likelihood as the network
begins to succeed in its aim. In addition, Self said the
network would like to hold its international event in 2017,
following the sell-out success of functions held across the
UK.