The CIOT has four governing documents (in order of authority):
- The Royal Charter;
- The Byelaws;
- Members’ Regulations; and
- Council Regulations.
Royal Charter
- Purpose: ultimate governing document of the CIOT.
- The Charter is the key governing document of the CIOT, from which it takes its existence and from which the other governing documents ultimately derive their authority.
- Can be changed by special resolution of the members of the CIOT, where such change is then agreed to by The Queen in Council.
Byelaws
- Purpose: expand upon the Royal Charter. High-level provisions regarding: admission to, and continuance of, membership, meetings of members, Council, officers, branches, administration.
- Can be changed by special resolution of the members, where such change is then approved by the Privy Council.
Members’ Regulations
- Purpose: regulate matters which should be within the control of members; administrative details on general meetings, including voting procedures; membership of Council; high-level provisions regarding meetings of Council; setting out specific measures relating to Council’s power to delegate; specific provisions relating to accounts, auditors, notices; provisions regarding use of ‘Chartered Tax Advisers’ designation; high-level provision regarding acting as a supervisory body for money laundering legislation.
- Can be changed by special resolution of the members.
Council Regulations
- Purpose: regulate certain operational matters and other administrative matters: operational administration of membership matters; matters relating to the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT); matters relating to students; operational matters relating to Officers, Council members, and Council meetings.
- Can be changed by resolution of Council.