HMRC Commits to Transformation

In a clear signal of HMRC’s commitment to its ten-year strategy for the future of tax administration, earlier today Joanna Rowlands was been confirmed as Director General of HMRC’s Transformation Business Group.

Making Tax Digital

In her new role, Jo is to be the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the Making Tax Digital (MTD) programme. She will also continue to oversee the Covid-19 Response Unit. 

In support of the move to digitize UK tax, the MTD Programme is moving from the Customer Strategy and Tax Design Directorate to the Transformation Business Group. This move is effective from 1 December. 

The good news is, HMRC Director Roy Wallace together with his Senior Leadership will remain in charge of the delivery of the MTD programme

Career

Jo has headed the HMRC Programme and Project Management profession since January 2018 and led a number of critical programmes, including Making Tax Digital for Business. 

Earlier this year she became interim DG for COVID-19, leading the implementation of the Chancellor’s packages to support businesses and jobs such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.  

Proud

Jo said of her appointment

“Over the last few months, we have worked to support customers and the UK economy in response to the COVID pandemic. I’ve been proud to lead our response and thrilled to see the can-do attitude of our people that has helped us achieve so much in such a short period of time.”

“I want to carry this energy forward into the longer-term transformation of our department and I am excited to work with MTD once again….”

My view

I know Jo is a consummate performer, who will bring energy and dynamism to her DG role.  

I am sure that Roy and his MTD programme colleagues will welcome the demonstration of a renewed commitment by the Department to landing the rest of the MTD programme. 

About the author

Brian Palmer is a Past President of AAT, an independent tax policy adviser, writer and observer on all things tax

[email protected]

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