Meet the Team

We're passionate about what we do

With extensive experience, skill and drive, the dedicated team at IR35 Shield work together like a well-oiled machine, innovating and delivering results time after time. We’re technically savvy enough to handle enterprise scale volume, yet small enough to be able to deliver the all-important personal service to our clients. With innovative new features and products lined up for the coming months, we’re more excited than ever to share our journey with you.

Team Illustration

Senior Leadership Team

Dave Chaplin

Dave Chaplin

CEO

As well as leading IR35 Shield, Dave helps to defend taxpayers at IR35 tax tribunals, consults for HMRC, advises senior politicians and Government bodies and was featured in the 2021 Staffing 100 Europe list of top influencers.

Mark Thorby

Mark Thorby

Head of Product and Support

Mark heads up the Development and Support teams, bringing together legislative requirements with the latest technology to ensure our customers have products which are secure, reliable and easy to use.

Clare Hardy

Clare Hardy

Head of Marketing

Clare ensures the smooth running of all matters relating to marketing, PR, and events, and also focuses on making sure the educational material on the site meets our clients needs.

Louella Schooley

Louella Schooley

Head of Client Accounts

Louella leads the Account Management team, ensuring our customers are well informed about their compliance responsibilities and guiding them to the ideal solution for their business.

The IR35 Shield Team

Our unbeatable teams are the key to our quality. Everything we do is created in-house.

Design & Development
This is where our creative and technical teams come together to deliver robust, intuitive & beautiful products to help our customers stay ahead of their competition. The team comprises Software Developers, DevOps Engineers, Front-end Developers, UX & UI Designers, Graphic designers & Video Editors.

Sales, Account Management & Support
Our experienced Sales Team and Account Managers create and maintain healthy client relationships, overseeing our sales processes, and acting as the main point of contact to IR35 Shield. Our support staff are always on hand to help resolve any issues.

Marketing and PR
Our marketing team covers all channels including social media, trade press, mainstream press and events. They are on hand to react to emerging stories in addition to sharing our content and expertise, keeping the market informed with all the latest IR35 compliance news.

Legal and Tax Support Network

When you need expert legal support, we have links with the best in the business.

Tax Networks Ltd

Tax Networks Ltd

Tax Networks Ltd is a tax disputes and resolution business specialising in IR35 and employment status matters. Chris Leslie has a unique skill set following his considerable experience with HMRC and national accountancy firms.

The Law Place

The Law Place

The Law Place Limited is a unique legal consultancy providing specialist legal advice for contractors and the recruitment industry in general. Martyn Valentine has over 15 years of experience in providing employment status advice.

David Kirk & Co

David Kirk & Co

David Kirk & Co Ltd is a niche tax consultancy specialising in payroll taxes and employment status, with particular reference to intermediary staffing companies, including employment agencies and umbrellas.