The Trustees and Editorial Committee of Musica Britannica invite applications for the post of Secretary to the Trust.

Founded in 1951, Musica Britannica is an ongoing series of scholarly editions, intended as a representative collection of the monuments of British musical culture. The Musica Britannica Trust, which has been a registered charity since 1976, aims to promote, support and develop research into British music. The Trust’s primary activity is the publication of scholarly editions, but we also award grants to support new recordings of this repertory and provide opportunities for emerging performers through our annual competition, the Lewis Memorial Prize. Full details of the Trust’s activities and publications can be found on our website.

Purpose of Role

The Secretary provides administrative support to the Trustees and Editorial Committee of the Musica Britannica Trust, working closely with the Chair of the Editorial Committee, the General Editor and representatives of the publisher, Stainer & Bell, to ensure the Trust’s activities are undertaken effectively.

Job Description

Governance duties

• Ensuring the Trust’s Charity Commission entry is kept up to date and preparing and making all necessary submissions to the Charity Commission
• Preparing papers relevant to Committee appointments and the induction of new Trustees
• Preparing the Annual Report of the Trustees
• Maintaining and updating the Musica Britannica website
• Acting as the point of contact for the Trust, responding to external enquiries about the Trust and its work, and seeking external advice from other organisations as required

Financial duties

• Operating the Trust’s bank and investment accounts, including paying invoices; monitoring expenditure
• Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns to HM Revenue & Customs
• Preparing and checking financial and supporting documents for the external auditor and responding to their queries
• Reporting to the Trustees on financial matters

Committee duties

• With the Chair of the Editorial Committee, organising three meetings per year (one in person in London, two online); arranging the venue and catering for the in-person meeting
• Attending the meetings of the Trustees and Editorial Committee
• Preparing meeting agendas and supporting papers, including financial statements and summaries; reporting on matters as required during the meeting
• Preparing and circulating minutes of meetings
• Maintaining a close relationship with the Chair and General Editor outside meetings to follow up on action points
• Seeking Trustees’ and Editorial Committee decisions by email outside of meetings, as required
• Organising occasional extra online meetings as required

Publishing activities

• Working closely with Stainer & Bell to administer paperwork for new volumes, including proposals, liaising with editors, requesting and collating permissions, preparing contracts

Lewis Memorial Prize

• Booking the venue for the Competition each year, on instruction from the Editorial Committee and Trustees
• Liaising with the Lewis Memorial Prize Administrator, the host venue, the Trustees and Editorial Committee and Stainer & Bell, to ensure the smooth running of the competition, including assisting with advertising as required and the payment of invoices 

Musica Britannica Recording Award

• Advertising the annual Musica Britannica Recording Award; responding to enquiries
• Collating applications to circulate to the Editorial Committee
• Communicating decisions to applicants and administering payment of awards

Other information

Time commitment

The time commitment for the post fluctuates through the year and also between years, so an ability to work flexibly is required. However, as an approximate guide, we believe the post carries a commitment of c.150–200 hours across the year.

More time will be needed around the time of meetings, which are held three times a year:

• January (in-person meetings in London)
• April (online)
• October (online)

Meetings are held on weekday afternoons and will require the secretary to be present. Additional online meetings are occasionally scheduled to discuss specific matters.

Term of Office

The Secretary will be appointed from 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, preceded by a handover period during June 2026. The appointment is for a 5-year term in the first instance, renewable by mutual agreement.

Honorarium and expenses

The Trustees offer an honorarium to the Secretary, which is currently £4,449.40 per year. The honorarium will be paid pro rata from the start of the handover period and then in arrears via biannual instalments, on 30 December and 30 June. Expenses are also reimbursed.

Person Specification

The appointee will be able to demonstrate the following essential knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications:

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Music, passed at class 2.1 or above, or an equivalent qualification
• Experience of administrative work
• Experience of committee work
• Experience of financial management and analysis
• Competence in computer skills, including use of Microsoft Word and Excel, and in file management skills
• Ability to work in a flexible way, as required, and to work both independently and as part of a team

The following desirable criteria will also be taken into consideration:

• A postgraduate qualification in Music or a related subject
• Interest in and knowledge of music in an area relevant to Musica Britannica

Application Process

Informal enquiries should be directed to the Chair of the Musica Britannica Editorial Committee, Prof. Rebecca Herissone (rebecca.herissone@manchester.ac.uk).

Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Herissone and should comprise the following:

• A curriculum vitae (maximum 4 sides A4)
• A covering letter outlining details of the candidate’s relevant experience and expertise in relation to the job description and person specification
• Names and contact details of two referees

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday 16 April 2026. Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 6 May 2026.