BUFDG Tax Conference 2026

Welcome to all things BUFDG 2026 Tax Conference!

This is the microsite where you’ll find links to all the different sessions taking place at the conference, plus where you’ll easily be able to locate the recordings afterwards. If you’re looking for the Teams links to the sessions, you’ll be able to find them all below, set out in chronological order.

If you want a quick reference guide, the timetable can be found here

If you’d like to read more about the sessions being run, take a look at the fancy programme schedule here.

Here are some quick, practical tips that can make Teams much smoother (if you’re used to Zoom, Skype, etc):

• • • • • • • Use the desktop app if possible as it’s typically more reliable than the browser version
            • If the connection is patchy, close any VPN, windows or other apps that may make your computer run slower
            • If you’re not speaking, please mute your microphone
            • Put a comment, question or thought in the chat box for the advisers or your fellow attendees – the more comments the better!
            • Please do use reactions (thumbs up, clapping, etc) for the speakers
            • If the presentation is too small, you can use the ‘pop out’ option to put the presentation part on a separate screen, which you can make bigger

If you require any adjustments or support to attend the conference, or problems accessing sessions, please let us know at events@bufdg.ac.uk.

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DAY 1

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Day One - Tuesday, 9th June - 09:00 - 10:15

The Welcome Plenary

National Tax Group Chair, Sarah Randall-Paley, Finance Director of Lancaster University will welcome members to the BUFDG tax conference, providing valuable information on getting the most out of the conference.

This will be followed by a session from Laughology called ‘Workload Overload – Ways to feel in control and get stuff done’. They will explore what to do when you feel overwhelmed and promote some simple techniques and ways of working so you can get some order and calm back into your life.

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10:15 - 10:30

Session 1

Day One - Tuesday, 9th June - 10:30 - 12:00

A Whistlestop tour of VAT changes, cases and updates in the past year

Presenters: Laurie Pay (Deloitte)

Tax: VAT/Customs

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session provides a fast‑paced overview of the most important VAT changes, cases and updates that have affected UK universities over the past year. It highlights key legislative changes, HMRC guidance shifts, and relevant tribunal and court decisions that may impact how universities treat supplies such as education services, property, catering, conferencing and estates‑related activities. Designed as a practical “refresh” for tax, finance, procurement and commercial teams, the session will help you spot where your current VAT treatment may need a second look and keep your university on the right side of current VAT practice.

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If I walked 500 miles, would I get tax relief?

Presenters: Caroline Jones (Albert Goodman) and Julia Ascott (BUFDG)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Basic/Intermediate

In this session, Caroline and Julia will be taking you through the travel and subsistence tax rules. This should be a relatively straight-forward area of tax relief but because tax legislation is based on traditional outdated working practices, it's not! Join our session to have your questions answered, including:

• is it a permanent or temporary workplace (fun fact - the legislation states that a permanent workplace is one that isn't a temporary workplace - there's a Sherlock phrase that springs to mind)
• are they a homeworker or simply working from home, and is there a difference between the two?
• if they are going to a function that's near their place of work, can we pay for any travel/subsistence costs?

They will also be requesting your specific and tricky examples to really test the rules - please bring them along!

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Back to basics: Tax issues to consider when dipping your toes into international waters

Presenters: Steve Haywood, James Steer and Michael Samuel-Bryan (MHA)

Tax: All Taxes

Level: Basic

This session offers a “back‑to‑basics” guide to the key tax and compliance issues UK universities face when they begin operating or paying people across borders. It covers when activities abroad might create tax or NIC obligations, how to think about employment‑tax and social‑security rules for international staff and visiting academics, and what to watch out for when hosting or sending students, researchers and contractors overseas.

Designed for finance, HR and compliance professionals, the session aims to demystify international tax in a way that’s accessible and directly relevant to the realities of UK university operations.

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Balancing Act: Meeting HMRC demands without overstepping

Presenters: Vicky Topps, Sarah Anthony, Simon Robinson and Michael Wilson (KPMG), Georgina Romano (University of Birmingham) and Sameera Tegally (University College London)

Tax: All Taxes

Level: Basic

This session will provide an overview of HMRC’s powers in the context of reviews and investigations. We will focus on the scope of information HMRC can request from institutions, including the legal basis for such requests and practical examples. The session will also address when and how Universities can push back if information requests are considered unreasonable or disproportionate. We will be joined by two universities who have recently undergone a Strategic Business Review for some practical insight.

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12:00 - 13:00

Session 2

Day One - Tuesday, 9th June - 13:00 - 14:30

Fuel and Power – What is the problem?

Presenters: Kerry Sykes and Harriet Latham (Big for Tax)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Fuel and power is currently a burning issue on HMRC’s agenda.  In this session, Kerry Sykes from Big for Tax will talk you through what points HMRC are concerned about, what progress is being made and what if anything you can do now. This will include a refresher on when 5% VAT relief can apply to purchases of fuel and power in the H E sector – in relation to both a single building and a whole campus; what certification and supporting evidence you need to provide to energy providers to secure the reduced rate; the methodologies that can be applied to determine what proportion of your supply is subject to 5% VAT. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussions during this session.  If you would like to raise any points in advance, please email andrea@bufdg.ac.uk by 29th May.

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Yes, we’re still talking about volunteers

Presenters: Paul Moreels (Deloitte) and Julia Ascott (BUFDG)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Intermediate

This session focuses on the tax, NIC, employment status and National Minimum Wage (NMW) issues that arise when universities take on volunteers, from students and alumni to external community supporters, to specific medical research. It explores where the line sits between genuine unpaid volunteering and possible employment or worker status, how to avoid inadvertently creating PAYE, NIC or NMW liabilities, and what checks and safeguards universities might put in place. Aimed at tax, payroll, finance, HR as well as research/volunteering leads, the session will offer practical guidance on assessing and structuring volunteer roles, focusing on tax/NIC easements, and NMW challenges, while still supporting volunteering engagement.

 

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Social security compliance in a changing landscape – what universities need to know

Presenters: TBC (Grant Thornton)

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate

This session explores the evolving social security rules that UK universities must navigate when employing or engaging staff across borders, including visiting academics, researchers, secondments and international students with work placements. It focuses on who is liable for UK NICs, the impact of bilateral social security agreements, specific HE related clauses, A1 certificates, and how changes in case law and policy affect contracts and PAYE‑relevant expenses. Aimed at global mobility, tax, payroll, HR and international‑relations teams, the session will highlight common pitfalls and provide practical pointers so universities can stay compliant while supporting a globally mobile workforce.

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Spinning out in control

Presenters: Millie Crosse and Lydia Ward (KPMG)

Tax: All taxes

Level: Basic/Intermediate

How should we go about commercialising IP in a way that is tax efficient for both the University and the academics involved? Why are there multiple structures used to do this in the sector - is there one right answer? Is there a way of doing this that doesn't create unnecessary complexities?

This session will cover all of these questions and more, looking at the different models we see used in the sector - technology transfer company, service company and in-house model - working through why these models are put in place from a tax perspective, and why they can be tax efficient way of commercialising a university's IP. The session will also cover employment tax considerations and the Researchers' Tax Exemption, as well as high level VAT considerations.

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14:30 - 14:45

Session 3

Day One - Tuesday, 9th June - 14:45 - 16:00

International Expansion – Nothing to declare?

Presenters: Max Kompart & Kathryn Saunders (KPMG)

Tax: International

Level: Basic/Intermediate

With many universities going “full steam ahead” on international expansion, UK and overseas tax implications are often forgotten when entering into agreements with overseas partners or introducing new distance learning offerings. Unexpected reverse charge liabilities in the UK or overseas tax demands often follow. Join KPMG for this session to explore the potential tax implications of partnering with overseas entities for research and teaching, setting up overseas subsidiaries and branches or expanding your distance learning offering. We will use practical examples to highlight common pitfalls, as well as ideas of how these might be mitigated.

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Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder why workplace nurseries lose their tax exemption

Presenters: Caroline Rai (PwC)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session explores why workplace‑nursery benefits can unexpectedly lose their tax‑advantaged status in UK universities. It examines the HMRC rules that allow tax/NIC‑free childcare support, and pinpoints the common trip‑wires, such as opening the nursery to non‑staff families, charging commercial rates, or mis‑structuring the relationship with providers, that can lead to taxable benefits and PAYE/ NIC liabilities. Aimed at tax, payroll, HR, and finance teams, the session will help universities keep their nursery arrangements compliant while still supporting staff and students.

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Managing overseas employment and tax risk in university projects

Presenters: Carolina Merlin and Joseph Mojume (Mauve Group)

Tax: International

Level: Basic/Intermediate

UK universities are expanding overseas activity without always addressing local tax and employment obligations, creating risks around payroll compliance, social security and permanent establishment. This session helps finance and tax professionals manage these risks. It compares EOR, Agent of Record and direct employment models, covering governance, cost and compliance implications, and considers how REF 2029 may influence international staffing. Using HE scenarios, delegates will learn to identify risk areas, assess compliance and choose the right model. Practical case studies and tools will support better decision-making while maintaining financial control and funding eligibility.

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Why gift aid should be on your agenda

Presenters: Harriet Latham (Charity Tax Group)

Tax: Income tax

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session explains why Gift Aid is a valuable but often under‑used tool for UK universities raising charitable income. It covers how Gift Aid works in practice, who can claim it (including related‑trading and student‑union scenarios), and the compliance obligations that come with recognising and processing donations correctly. Aimed at fundraising, finance and compliance teams, the session will highlight the impact of Gift Aid on net income, the risks of getting it wrong, and practical steps universities can take to ensure Gift Aid is systematically considered across all relevant giving channels.

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DAY 2

Session 4

Day Two - Wednesday, 10th June - 09:00 - 10:30

Imports and Exports Update

Presenters: David Miller and Jack Atkins (The Customs People)

Tax: Customs

Level: Basic/Intermediate

David and Jack will chair this informal session on import and export issues.  After a brief update from Jack, there will be plenty of time to discuss your issues.

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From periodic review to business as usual: a practical IR35/OPW roadmap for higher education

Presenters: Stephen Baker (BKL)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session explores how universities can manage employment status and IR35 risk in a complex compliance environment. It focuses on sector-specific exposures and the impact of new umbrella company rules and Joint and Several Liability. With widespread use of visiting lecturers, consultants and grant-funded staff, decentralised decision-making increases the risk of inconsistent status determinations. The session outlines how to align with GfC Part 13 through stronger governance, robust Status Determination Statements and improved due diligence. Delegates will gain practical approaches to embedding sustainable, business-as-usual controls across HR, procurement and research activity.

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Global academics, global risk – managing international tax in higher education

Presenter: Amanda Varrall (BKL)

Tax: International/Global Mobility

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session explores international tax risks for UK universities engaging globally mobile academics. Covering Overseas Workday Relief, s690 directions and the Teachers Article, it focuses on practical implications for visiting staff, dual roles and hybrid working. It highlights key issues such as eligibility, mixed duties, split payrolls and PAYE/NIC treatment, alongside common compliance pitfalls across activities like short visits, sabbaticals and overseas working. Delegates will gain a clear framework for assessing treaty relief, managing PAYE obligations and evidencing compliance, helping institutions support global mobility while minimising tax risk.

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The VAT-bearer’s path: Ensuring tax integrity in higher education ERP programmes – Part One [Part 2 in next workshop]

Presenter: Emily-Rose Jones (KPMG)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

ERP transformation can feel like a long journey across Middle‑Earth—complex landscapes, shifting priorities, and the occasional unexpected monster appearing during User acceptance testing (UAT). In that journey, tax must not be the overlooked companion. This session sets out a clear, practical roadmap for weaving VAT, compliance, and reporting requirements into ERP design and delivery for higher education institutions. Using a light fantasy framing, we’ll explore how to establish tax governance, embed decision logic at the right points, and ensure data and controls remain strong from design through to BAU. Participants will gain tools, examples, and checklists tailored to the unique terrain of HE. You’ll leave prepared to guide your institution’s ERP fellowship safely from Shire‑like beginnings to a more resilient, future‑proofed tax landscape.

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10:30 - 10:45

Session 5

Day Two - Wednesday, 10th June - 10:45 - 12:15

Split Session: Part One - Conferencing (45 mins.) / Part Two - Property Update (45 mins.)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Part One: Conferencing

Presenters: Kate Connolly and Louise Grey (Xeinadin)

The first part of this session concentrates on VAT liability issues associated with the supply of conferencing facilities – a topic that is raised often by members. Kate and Louise will consider what is the VAT liability of the supply of conferencing facilities and associated goods and services? What tips a supply from being a license to occupy land into a use of facilities? When can we play the “closely related to education” card – what type of supplies are caught and what conditions do we need to be mindful of?

Part Two: The Property Update

Presenter: Martin Scammel

BUFDG is pleased to welcome back Martin Scammell (one the co- authors of Scammell & Nyland’s “VAT on Construction, Land & Property”) to our tax conference for his annual VAT and property update. Martin will report back on the latest developments, including the Capital Goods Scheme changes, HMRC’s processes, summer lettings of student accommodation and, building on Kate and Louise’s talk, HMRC’s current thinking on licences to occupy. The world is moving forward, technology is advancing and more is expected when someone hires a room. Does this tip exempt into standard-rated?

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Deeming provisions and the labour supply chain

Presenter: Rebecca Seeley Harris (Re:Legal Consulting)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Intermediate

This session provides a practical update on the fast-moving world of employment status, labour supply chain compliance and off-payroll working for the HE Sector. It will cover the key case law developments following the Supreme Court’s decision in PGMOL, including the seven subsequent cases that have materially changed how employment status is assessed in practice.

The session will also explain the increasing complexity created by the tax provisions in Chapters 7 to 11 of ITEPA, how those provisions interact across labour supply chains, and which rules take priority. Finally, it will look at current approaches to engaging off-payroll labour, including personal service companies, sole traders, agency workers and umbrella workers, with a focus on the practical compliance issues now facing universities and other public sector bodies.

Aimed at tax, payroll, procurement, HR, finance, and research teams, it will provide a practical framework for managing deeming‑risk while still using flexible labour supply models in higher education.

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Dealing with your globally mobile CERN employees

Presenters: Marie Green (Vialto) Lewis Turner (Imperial)

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Navigating global mobility around CERN can be complex, with a mix of staff categories, international tax rules and relocation logistics to manage. This session, delivered by Vialto, will provide an up‑to‑date overview of CERN structures, including latest tax and social security updates.

The session will be particularly useful for international HR and payroll teams, mobility specialists, university‑based research collaborators and finance/tax professionals working with CERN‑linked projects. Delegates will gain practical insights into how to comply with current tax, social security and employment law regulations, improve documentation and governance, and reduce risk for staff on cross‑border placements to and from CERN.

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The VAT-bearer’s path: Ensuring tax integrity in higher education ERP programmes – Part Two (please ensure you have taken Part One in Workshop Four)

Presenters: Emily-Rose Jones (KPMG)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

ERP transformation can feel like a long journey across Middle‑Earth—complex landscapes, shifting priorities, and the occasional unexpected monster appearing during User acceptance testing (UAT). In that journey, tax must not be the overlooked companion. This session sets out a clear, practical roadmap for weaving VAT, compliance, and reporting requirements into ERP design and delivery for higher education institutions. Using a light fantasy framing, we’ll explore how to establish tax governance, embed decision logic at the right points, and ensure data and controls remain strong from design through to BAU. Participants will gain tools, examples, and checklists tailored to the unique terrain of HE. You’ll leave prepared to guide your institution’s ERP fellowship safely from Shire‑like beginnings to a more resilient, future‑proofed tax landscape.

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12:15 - 13:15

Session 6

Day Two - Wednesday, 10th June - 13:15 - 14:30

Business/Non-Business Research

Presenters: Kerry Sykes (Big for Tax) and Andrea Marshall (BUFDG)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Identifying whether research income is “business” or “non business” has always been a tricky area, often subject to interpretation.  So back in January 2023, work began on creating an Annex, “The treatment of non-business activity”, for the existing “BUFDG Framework for Higher Education Partial Exemption Special Methods” as an Annex.

In this session Kerry Sykes from Big for Tax and Andrea Marshall from BUFDG will talk you through the type of income that it classed as “non-business”, how to identify it, where difficulties may arise and how to reflect the income in any VAT business/non business/partial exemption methods agreed with HMRC. The session will include some thoughts on what impact the recent decision in the Colchester case might have on BNB methods in the sector.

[Please note that we hope to walk you through the Annex itself during this session, but as at the end of April 2026, we are awaiting formal final sign off from HMRC. If the Annex has not been agreed by HMRC before the Tax Conference, we will talk through what the main principles are that we understand HMRC have agreed to and how they appear in the draft text.]

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Umbrellas: A practical look at the impact of the new joint and several liability legislation

Presenter: Nicola Smith (Xeinadin)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Intermediate

This session explores how the new joint and several liability rules affect UK universities that use umbrella companies in their labour supply chains and will be particularly useful for finance and tax professionals, HR and payroll teams, procurement and contracts specialists, research‑office and grant‑management staff, and compliance, risk and audit leads. It explains when universities can become jointly liable for PAYE, NIC and other tax shortfalls caused by umbrella‑provider failures, and what this means for risk and governance.

Focusing on common HE engagements—research staff, project workers, casual and agency‑channelled roles—the session will outline practical steps to strengthen due diligence, contractual terms and ongoing monitoring of umbrella providers, helping universities reduce exposure while still using flexible staffing models.

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Let’s get creative! Generating a cash credit from creative activities

Presenters: Peter Chapman (KPMG) and Georgina Romano (University of Birmingham)

Tax: Corporation Tax

Level: Basic/Intermediate

There are a range of creative sector tax reliefs available to universities including for activities in relation to museums, theatres and orchestras, which can give up to 40p cash for every £1 spent on qualifying activities.

Many universities don't even realise that they are undertaking qualifying activities, whereas others are not enhancing the benefits available.

KPMG will focus on which activities can qualify for relief, how to identify those activities, common pitfalls which result in lower claims, as well as the recent changes to the reliefs including the new administrative requirements and HMRC expectations. The session will also be joined by Georgina Romano from the University of Birmingham who will provide practical insights.

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Tax Governance in the higher education sector: Strengthening controls in a complex environment

Presenters: Michelle Perry (Grant Thornton)

Tax: All Taxes

Level: Basic/Intermediate

This session explores how UK universities can strengthen their tax‑governance frameworks in an increasingly complex regulatory environment and will be particularly useful for finance and tax professionals, HR and payroll leads, procurement and contracts specialists, research‑office and grant‑management staff, estates and commercial‑services managers, and internal audit and compliance teams. It highlights some common pressure points, and more importantly, shows how to embed robust controls, clear accountability and documented “reasonable care” across devolved structures.

The session will focus on practical steps universities can take to align tax‑governance with financial reporting, risk management and funding‑body expectations, helping delegates design a coherent, business‑as‑usual framework that supports compliance, reduces exposure and withstands scrutiny from HMRC and other stakeholders.

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14:30 - 14:45

Session 7

Day Two - Wednesday, 10th June - 14:45 - 16:00

Partial Exemption Special Method negotiations and HMRC: How to get a PESM agreed with HMRC – hints and tips

Presenter: Jeff Hall (PwC), with Laura Nelson (University of Reading)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Agreeing a Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM) with HMRC can feel like navigating a maze, but with the right approach it becomes a powerful tool for managing VAT in mixed‑funding environments. This session will show UK universities how to design, present and negotiate a PESM that HMRC is more likely to accept, and will be particularly useful for tax and VAT specialists.

The session will focus on typical HE scenarios, explaining how to select an appropriate method, present calculations, and document the rationale in a way that satisfies HMRC. Delegates will leave with practical hints and tips for preparing for discussions with HMRC, responding to challenges, and securing a PESM that is robust, sustainable and easy to apply in day‑to‑day operations.

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Dealing with the undetermined’s

Presenters: Caroline Jones (Albert Goodman) and Julia Ascott (BUFDG)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Intermediate

An ever-growing category of CEST checks are producing an 'undermined' output, which puts universities at risk of potential tax and compliance failures. Caroline and Julia put their heads together to put forward a process to help universities deal with “the undetermined’s” - creating pathways within your process (even if they are not popular) and ensuring that the university has all the appropriate evidence to support the position taken should the individual or HMRC challenge them.

They will also be asking for members to 'Bring their Undetermined's to the session – they’ll have time to go through 3 or 4 of your own examples and put their process and employment status knowledge to the test, giving you "what they would do" if they were in your shoes.

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Posted Workers

Presenters: TBC (Vialto), Anne Sinclair (Kings College London)

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

We will outline the evolving enforcement landscape under the Posted Workers Directives, and what the higher education sector should now be thinking about as cross-border academic mobility to the EU becomes more scrutinised. We will cover how different EU Member States are applying the rules in practice, why UK institutions are facing increased complexity as third-country entities, and how posted worker compliance is increasingly intersecting with wider EU border and migration systems such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), all within the broader context of compliance, duty of care and sanctions.

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TP or not TP: That is the (UK) question

Presenters: Gareth Hann (KPMG)

Tax: Transfer Pricing

Level: Basic/Intermediate

There have recently been, and continue to be, significant developments in the UK’s Transfer Pricing (“TP”) rules and administration.  Notably, Finance Bill (No 2) 2025 contains an exemption from the need to apply UK TP rules for most UK:UK transactions.  HMRC has made it clear that its intention is that this exemption will not apply to transactions between a charity or otherwise non-taxable entity, such as a UK University, and its affiliates that are subject to corporation tax, although there are question-marks over whether the wording of the bill unambiguously achieves this and the interaction between the exemption (if applicable) and other areas of legislation.

Meanwhile, HMRC recently issued its Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Compliance.  These set out HMRC’s view of areas of particular risk and the best practice that groups should adopt for setting and documenting the pricing of their intragroup transactions, which potentially impact Universities’ approach to setting and documenting their TP policies.

Gareth Hann, is a former HMRC TP inspector and KPMG’s TP lead for the University sector and will speak about these and related developments.

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Day Two - Wednesday, 10th June - 16:05 - 17:00

Quiz Time

Join Andrea and Julia for the annual tax conference family friendly quiz.

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DAY 3

Session 8

Day Three - Thursday, 11th June - 09:00 - 10:15

VAT and complex capital projects – a practical insight and case study-based session

Presenter: Kate Connolly and Louise Grey (Xeinadin)

Tax: VAT

Level: Basic/Intermediate

We all know how important VAT is when considering complex, high‑value capital projects. This session will take you through the lifecycle of a mixed‑use capital project—from initial planning to completed build—highlighting the practical questions and VAT technical issues you are likely to face.

The session will cover: how the sector’s increasingly complex, mixed‑use developments affect VAT recovery and risk; key questions to ask at the planning stage, including use of the building, timing and VAT‑liability of costs; strategies to minimise VAT costs through zero‑rating, input‑tax recovery, business/non‑business apportionment and partial‑exemption considerations; common red‑amber “flags” such as mixed‑use space, shared facilities, joint ventures and option‑to‑tax issues; the value of an internal VAT‑checklist and how this might align with Guidelines for Compliance Part 8; and when and how to work proactively with HMRC, including a brief case‑study‑based walkthrough of a mixed‑use project and how early VAT‑risk review and HMRC engagement helped.

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Super savings: Slash your NIC bill

Presenters: Tim McEwan (My Money Matters), Shaun Tetley (Portsmouth City Council) and James Morris (University of Portsmouth)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Intermediate

Join Tim McEwan, Shaun Tetley and the University of Portsmouth to discover how you can make significant savings in your employer's national insurance and at the same time deliver a life-changing employee benefit for your LGPS members through salary sacrifice AVCs. We will also look at the free additional services available to all your staff from My Money Matters, including free pension/financial education & free will writing.

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Going global – how to ensure your TNE strategy is a success

Presenters: Vialto UK, Vialto China, Vialto India and Vialto Middle East

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

This session will explore how universities can design and deliver a successful transnational education (TNE) strategy, with perspectives from Vialto across the UK, China, India and the Middle East. It will cover the practical, regulatory and tax‑related considerations of operating overseas partnerships, including local‑law requirements, employment‑status and social‑security risks, and how to structure agreements so that the university’s commercial and academic objectives are met.

The session will be particularly useful for international‑strategy leads, TNE managers, finance and tax professionals, and university executives involved in global partnerships. Through real‑world examples and regional insights, delegates will gain practical guidance on how to go global in a way that is sustainable, compliant and aligned with the university’s wider international‑engagement goals.

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E-invoicing and analytics

Presenters: Amit Dev and Chris Rowe (BDO)

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Chris and Amit will introduce you to the 'world' of e-invoicing, the current trends, and how the 2029 UK e-invoicing mandate is likely to be shaped; including the role that data analytics can play in helping you get ready for e-invoicing, and beyond.

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10:15 - 10:30

Session 9

Day Three - Thursday, 11th June - 10:30 - 12:00

Demystifying outward processing relief

Presenter: Simon Twells (University of Warwick)

Tax: Customs

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Simon Twells will demystify outward processing relief (OPR) and show how UK universities can use it to reduce customs duty and VAT when exporting equipment or other goods for temporary processing, repair or refurbishment overseas and then re‑importing them. It will explain who can use OPR, what “added value” relief means in practice, and the key steps needed to obtain authorisation, make export and re‑import declarations, and keep compliant records.

The session will be particularly useful for procurement, tax and customs‑compliance teams in universities that send scientific instruments, vehicles or specialist equipment abroad for servicing or modification. Delegates will gain a clear, jargon‑light understanding of how OPR can lower costs, when it does and does not apply, and how to work with HMRC‑registered agents or internal tax teams to structure relief‑claiming processes in a

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PM’s Question Time

Presenter: Paul Moreels (Deloitte)

Tax: Employer Duties

Level: Basic/Intermediate/Advanced

Now you’ve reached the end of the BUFDG 2026 tax conference, do you have any questions that haven’t yet been answered on ANY area of employment taxes? You now have the opportunity to put Paul Moreels under the spotlight and ask him any question.

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Permanent Establishment or permanent headache? Tax risks of China collaborations

Presenters: Suzanne Taylor and Su Brown (KPMG)

Tax: International

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Following on from China’s Ministry of Education (MoE) announced a series of significant reforms to its transnational education (TNE) policies at a policy briefing for foreign diplomatic missions in Beijing, signalling a clear commitment to attracting more international higher education partners and positioning China as a more open, transparent, and efficient TNE environment, China as a TNE destination is as popular as ever.

With the current uptick in Chinese educational collaborations being considered by UK universities, this session will offer a refresher on the tax implications and tax administrative requirements of setting up an MoE approved joint educational programme (JEP) or joint educational institution (JEI). This will include providing an update on some more recent developments in expectations from some tax bureaus in terms of administrative requirements, and sharing our experiences of some of the challenges and pitfalls UK HEIs can face when looking to set up JEPs and JEIs in China.

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Indirect taxes in the Middle East and Africa

Presenters: Claire Hamlin and Andrew Norman (Grant Thornton)

Tax: International

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Hold onto your hats!  In this session, the Grant Thornton team will take you on a whistle stop tour of Africa and the Middle East.  They will explore the hotspots (excuse the pun!) for UK universities; considering the African and Middle Eastern tax authorities that are proactive in identifying overseas providers of services to in country consumers; whether an educational exemption is available or whether a sales or digital tax applies; what rate of tax will be due; and how easy will it be for the UK university to register and account for the tax.  So, get out your map of the world and drawing pins and plot your trip!

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12:00 - 13:00

Session 10

Day Three - Thursday, 11th June - 13:00 - 14:00

Who wants to be a taxillionaire?

Step into the hot seat and test your tax knowledge in “Who Wants to Be a Taxillionaire?”—RSM’s interactive, game-show-style session.

Designed to entertain as much as it informs, this fast-paced session will challenge participants with a series of tax-themed questions, covering everything from recent legislative changes to tricky real-world scenarios. Contestants can rely on their expertise, or call on lifelines (‘call a friend’, ‘50/50’ ‘Ask the audience’ plus ‘Ask Julia/Andrea’), to navigate their way up the ladder toward “taxillionaire” status.

Whether you’re a seasoned tax professional or simply keen to sharpen your knowledge, this session offers a fun and engaging way to stay up to date, spark discussion, and learn alongside your peers. Expect plenty of surprises, friendly competition, and practical insights you can take away and apply in your day-to-day work.

So, do you have what it takes to be a taxillionaire?

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14:00 - 14:15

Day Three - Thursday, 11th June - 14:15 - 15:00

The Closing Plenary and Awards Ceremony

It’s finally here – the last show of the tax conference.

Join Andrea and Julia for their favourite part of the Tax Conference: the awards show. This is where we celebrate everything from the sublime to the downright ridiculous with our ‘Taxis’ Awards, before recognising those who have truly gone above and beyond for their peers and colleagues. We round off the show by honouring recipients of our Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating colleagues who are marking the end of their working careers in the university sector.

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