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Honorary Treasurer
the latin programme

Job Description

The Latin Programme - Via Facilis (TLP) brings Latin to state primary schools in order to improve pupils’ English literacy and their understanding of language, and to broaden their cultural and historical horizons. We exist because lacking vital literacy skills holds a person back at every stage of their life beyond primary school. We embrace a non-traditional approach to literacy in which songs, games and rap encourage pupils to understand complex grammatical material in both Latin and English. We believe in the exceptional linguistic potential of every child and strive to make the most of that by offering young people the opportunity to study an ancient language in a way that will provide an excellent foundation for future language learning and above all self-expression.

We are currently looking for a new Honorary Treasurer to join TLP's Trustee Board.  Working closely with our other Trustees, who are all fully engaged with the work of the Charity and keen to see it go from strength to strength, your overall role as Honorary Treasurer will be to maintain an overview of - and keep the Board informed of - TLP’s financial affairs and viability, and to ensure that proper financial procedures, controls and records are maintained. The role of Honorary Treasurer also involves some liaison with key members of our highly motivated, experienced and capable staff team, who are passionate about the work of the Charity and the impact it is having. 

As Honorary Treasurer, you will need to have good knowledge of financial management and some knowledge of charity finance. Knowledge of Latin is not a prerequisite but a real empathy to the cause and an understanding of the value of our work is a must. You will also need to be able to commit sufficient time for this work.  There are usually 3 to 4 formal board meetings a year, typically early evenings in central London, in addition to which there is sometimes the need for ad-hoc phone and email liaison with other trustees and with staff, as well as an occasional need to attend other Charity events and meetings.  Reviewing a variety of financial documents and other board papers is also an integral part of the role.

The Latin Programme - Via Facilis now has over 10 years’ experience of delivering successful, cost-effective programmes which make a positive and measurable difference to the lives of young children.  This is therefore an exciting opportunity to join an established and successful organisation and help lead it forward to maximise its potential. This is an un-remunerated role although reasonable travel expenses will be paid in accordance with our policy.

A full role description and person specification can be found below.

To apply for the role please send an up-to-date C.V and cover letter.  Your cover letter should outline how you meet the requirements listed in the person specification and explain why you wish to become part of the team at The Latin Programme - Via Facilis. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please say so in your email.

Purpose

The overall role of the Honorary Treasurer is to maintain an overview of - and keep the Board informed of - the financial affairs and viability of The Latin Programme - Via Facilis (TLP), and to ensure that proper financial procedures, controls and records are maintained.

Statutory responsibilities of all Trustees

  • Ensure that TLP complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Ensure that TLP pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • Ensure that TLP applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the Charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
  • Contribute actively to the board of trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to TLP, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • Safeguard the good name and values of TLP.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of TLP.
  • Ensure the financial stability of TLP.
  • Protect and manage the property of the charity, and ensure the proper investment of TLP's funds.
  • Appoint the Executive Director and monitor his/her performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, all TLP trustees should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.  This may involve:

  • Scrutinising board papers
  • Leading discussions
  • Ensuring the board focuses on key issues
  • Providing guidance on new initiatives
  • Assisting with any other areas in which the trustee has special expertise

Additional duties of the Honorary Treasurer

  • Maintain an overview of, and keep the board informed of, TLP's financial affairs and viability.
  • Advise on the financial implications of TLP's future plans and proposals.
  • Ensure that TLP has appropriate accounting procedures and controls in place.
  • Oversee the preparation of budgets and financial statements and present these to the board.
  • Ensure that annual accounts are prepared and filed in the manner required by the relevant statutory bodies, including The Charity Commission, Companies House and HMRC.
  • Ensure that the accounts are externally scrutinised in the manner required (currently independent examination) and that any recommendations are implemented.
  • Ensure that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy in place.
  • Liaise with the Executive and Programme Directors about financial matters, and refer financial decisions to the Board whenever appropriate.

Treasurer Person Specification

General requirements of all Trustees

  • Commitment to the organisation and an understanding of the value of TLP's work
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
  • Ability to communicate clearly
  • Willingness to speak one's mind
  • Good, independent judgement
  • Ability to think creatively
  • Strategic vision
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
  • Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad-hoc basis

Additional requirements of the Honorary Treasurer

  • Good knowledge of financial management
  • Some knowledge of charity finance
  • The ability to analyse plans and proposals and examine their financial consequences
  • Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.