HELP AND HELPERS FOR PARISH TREASURERS
Diocesan Board of Finance member Ewan Wilson offers hope to the perplexed and beleagured Parish Treasurer
The Diocesan Board of Finance has been concerned for some time about the responsibilities and pressures placed upon Parish Treasurers, particularly following changes in recent years in Charities Act requirements. The DBF is very aware that many treasurers do not have any formal training in accounting or experience gained through employment, it has therefore formed a group of people with the relevant expertise to act as mentors and who will be available to assist and advise on an individual basis.
It is intended that a letter and a package of worksheet templates be sent out to all Parish Treasurers in the coming weeks with a view to the group beginning its work before the end of this calendar year 2009. It is further intended that in the New Year there will be visits to area Deaneries to meet treasurers to discuss, advise, assist and learn of problems.
It must be stressed that it is recognised that many treasurers have perfectly good systems in place and produce excellent, accurate and easily comprehensible accounts. There is no intention to interfere with their work or impose anything upon them. The Board’s experience, however, is that there are many other treasurers in the diocese who need and would welcome assistance. This was borne out by analysis of the questionnaires completed at the presentations to Parish Treasurers by David Holloman of the Representative Body in July.
We need more mentors. If we have a few more the work should not be too onerous. Will anyone who is willing to act as a mentor please contact the Diocesan Office on 01267 236145.