Tom Brass has been elected Chairman of the Institute of Interim Management (IIM), the independent professional institute for Interim Managers, representing the interests of professional Interims, setting quality standards of accreditation, professional development and best practice, and promoting the development of Interim Management.
A chartered accountant, Tom Brass is a respected champion of the Interim sector and vigorously represents the interests of those who have chosen a career as a professional Interim.
He became an Interim Manager in 1997, following some 25 years’ experience as an accountant and consultant within a “Big 4” firm serving international clients.
At its AGM in London, IIM Members elected Tom Brass unopposed after Tony Evans had completed the maximum three years as Chairman.
Founded in 2002, the IIM sets quality standards for the fast-growing interim management sector in which some 70% of assignments are found through Interim Managers’ own networks and 30% through intermediaries, known as Interim Providers.
At the AGM, Members emphasised the need for the IIM to increase its membership among professional Interims and to work with the Providers’ trade body, the Interim Management Association (IMA), to increase efforts to professionalise the sector across the board.
The professional Interim Managers which the IIM represents provide a business-to-business service to clients and operate as independent businesses.
Unlike part-time or temporary workers, professional interims carry total responsibility for tax, insurance and other statutory or regulatory requirements.
The client relationship, whether direct or through an Interim Provider, is subject to commercial law and not employment law.
In a survey of members, 87% believed that the statutory and regulatory burden is increasing.
Tom Brass takes a close interest in all public affairs matters affecting Interims, including legislation and regulation emanating from both Brussels and Westminster, and has been following the progress of the Money Laundering Regulations into UK law since they began life in 2004 as the draft EU Third Money Laundering Directive.
He maintains a close working relationship on behalf of the IIM with government departments and explained to the AGM that HMRC is currently revisiting the definitions determining which Interims will be covered by the Regulations.
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Tom Brass also led the Interim sector’s response to the Government’s “income shifting” tax proposals, and has recently submitted written evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Freelance Sector.
He also writes regularly on Interim matters for the Institute’s electronic newsletter, InterIM Insight, and for other publications.
