The ILM Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration
example certificate | advertisement for certificate
The ILM Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration is now available to ILM members. Designed by the College of Law together with practising Legacy Officers, the course aims to benefit the Legacy Officer or Administrator looking for an understanding of the subject up to a good intermediate level.
At the end of the course you will:
- Be aware of the procedural steps which are taken when a person dies
- Understand the significance of a grant of representation
- Recognise the matters which may make a Will invalid
- Be able to distinguish assets which pass under a will from assets which pass independently of a will
- Recognise the circumstances in which a member of the deceased's family or dependants can challenge a will
- Be able to read a will and understand the effect of its main provisions
- Be aware of the powers and duties of executors of a will and the rights of beneficiaries
- Have an understanding of Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax, and how charities' exemptions can be effectively used to increase benefit
- Understand the function of estate accounts and be able to read a simple set
- Be aware of the ways in which it is possible to challenge a solicitor's bill
- Be aware of the circumstances in which it is possible to vary a will
- Be aware of a number of common issues that arise for beneficiary charities, such as ex-gratia claims and compromising legal claims.
The course is distance-learning - it can be undertaken at your own pace, when and where you like.That materials consist of a video called "Basic Probate" - which is designed to be a simple introduction to the work of a solicitor in obtaining the a grant of probate when someone dies - and a pack of written materials divided into six units. Each unit includes has a set of self-assessment exercises to help you set the work in a practical context. It has been designed to be completed in about six months. However, this is entirely up to you.
ILM has now introduced a new system of assessment to replace the exam formerly held at the end of the course. Assessments will be held at regular intervals (three times a year from 2005 on) and will assess at three levels: After Units 1 & 2, after Units 3 & 4 and after the final two units, Units 5 & 6.
The Units are:
- First steps after death
- Establishing Entitlement
- The Grant
- Powers and Duties of Personal Representatives
- Estate Accounts
- Particular Problems for Legacy Officers
The course materials also include:
- An appendix contains specimen letters and paragraphs to illustrate best practice and notes regarding entitlement under Scots Law.
- A glossary of terms
The course is not designed to produce probate lawyers.However, it does explain the steps taken when dealing with an estate and aims to give you an appreciation of some of the difficulties which face an estate administrator.It will explain in more detail matters which are likely to be of particular relevance to legacy officers. In short, it has been designed to make it easier for you to do your job.
The cost of the course will be £750, payable in advance. There is no further fee for assessment. (VAT is not applicable). | 
