Terra Firma Chambers’ Derek Francis has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation and Association of Taxation Technicians Certificate of Merit and Appreciation at the CIOT and ATT Joint Presidents’ Reception held on Thursday 8th May 2025 at The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh.

The award was made in recognition of Derek’s significant contribution to tax debate in Edinburgh, his leadership within the Edinburgh Branch over many years, and the role he has played in creating and establishing a hugely effective and popular network.  During that time, Derek has played a leading role in organising a number of high profile and influential events, he has spoken on tax subjects at the Scottish and English national conferences of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and at the STEP, Scotland conference, and has given talks to other local branches.  Councils have also noted Derek’s contribution over many years in the press and tax journals.

Derek said: “It is a great honour, but it simply adds bells and whistles to the honour of being a CTA and Fellow of CIOT and working in Trust and Tax – fields in which the profession shows such vivid interest. If you do the work, you should be prepared to talk about it – and encourage others to do the same. I am. And, luckily, I’ve found plenty of others.”