Governance and finance

Running a committee, part one: responsibilities and roles

The majority of our member groups are run by a committee - a group of enthusiastic people who care about their group, want to see it thrive and are willing to take responsibility for making that happen. As well as enthusiasm, a committee position requires good organisational skills, a willingness to give up some spare time and the ability to co-operate with others. And like most things in life, being on a committee will very often give you a sense of achievement and fulfilment – but it can also be tedious and frustrating, especially when things are not going right.

Top tips for treasurers

The position of treasurer in an amateur music group is an important one – they are the person who receives money and makes payment on behalf of the group, and keeps an eye on the bank balance to make sure that the group remains solvent.

How to claim Gift Aid for your group

This guidance describes the current situation with regard to Gift Aid and the voluntary music sector. Please note that Gift Aid is available to UK recognised charities, regardless of whether or not they are also registered charities.

Trustee handbook

This handbook will help you manage your charity and answers the most common questions about your responsibility as a committee member (trustee) of a charity.

Orchestra Tax Relief overview: What it is, who can benefit and how we can help

Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) is a government initiative that means instrumental groups could receive a payment from HMRC equal to a percentage of their production costs.

Despite being called 'Orchestra Tax Relief':

  • the initiative can apply to many types of instrumental group – so don’t be put off if your group is not a traditional orchestra 
  • you don’t have to be paying tax to claim it.   

Groups who put on eligible performances can submit a claim to HMRC each year for the payment. 

Making Music Platform

An all-in-one online admin tool and website to help you run your group. Manage your members, plan your activities, take card payments, promote events and much more - everything you need in one place. 

    Helping your group to thrive (Fort Augustus)

     

    This event provides an opportunity for you to meet and learn from not only Making Music staff but also other leisure-time music groups within your area, helping you to share experiences and advice on a variety of issues and find new ways of working, both separately and together.

    Who should attend this event?
    Anyone is welcome to come to this event, but it will be particularly relevant to committee members of leisure-time music groups.

    Location

    The Lovat Loch Ness
    Fort Augustus
    PH32 4DU Inverness-shire
    United Kingdom
    See map: Google Maps

    Getting to grips with PRS and copyright (Southampton)

    The topic we receive the most queries about is PRS. What is PRS, how do you pay it and just why is it so complicated?

    In this session, we’ll clear up some of the mysteries and help you to understand how, when and where you need to make your PRS payments.

    Who should attend this event?
    Anyone is welcome to come to this event, but it will be particularly relevant to anyone who looks after your group’s finances, liaise with venues, selects repertoire or manages copyright.

    We’ll talk about:

    Location

    Solent Conference Centre
    The Spark, Southampton Solent University East Park Terrace
    SO14 0YN Southampton
    United Kingdom
    See map: Google Maps

    Getting to grips with PRS and copyright (Lincoln)

    The topic we receive the most queries about is PRS. What is PRS, how do you pay it and just why is it so complicated?

    In this session, we’ll clear up some of the mysteries and help you to understand how, when and where you need to make your PRS payments.

    Who should attend this event?
    Anyone is welcome to come to this event, but it will be particularly relevant to anyone who looks after your group’s finances, liaise with venues, selects repertoire or manages copyright.

    We’ll talk about:

    Location

    Alive Conferences
    22 Newland
    LN1 1XD Lincoln
    United Kingdom
    See map: Google Maps

    Every penny counts - tips for improving your income (Shrewsbury)

    In an age where funding is increasingly hard to obtain, how can you maximise your income in other areas?

    We’ll hear from members who have had success in raising money by other methods, and we’ll share advice and experiences with each other on what has – and hasn’t – worked for you. Making Music staff will also have some top tips for gaining those vital extra pennies.

    Who should attend this event?
    Anyone is welcome to come to this event, but it will be particularly relevant to anyone who looks after your group’s fundraising or accounts.

    Location

    Shrewsbury Castle
    Castle Street
    SY1 2AT Shrewsbury
    United Kingdom
    See map: Google Maps

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