Opportunities

Dorchester-on-Thames is looking for a Parish Council Clerk to join their pro-active and forward-thinking village council.  This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference.

• 10 hours a week, remote role (ability to work flexible hours including occasional in-person evening meetings)
• Knowledge of the surrounding area of Dorchester-on-Thames is advantageous 
• Salary up to £32K FTE (DOE) with benefits including pension

Purpose of the role

We are looking to recruit an energetic, numerate and community-minded individual committed to work with the Councillors and the Community to deliver and transform the Parish Council operations into a modern, effective and efficient organisation. Prior Parish Clerk experience is preferable, though candidates with a willingness to learn will also be considered.  The role is in the historic village of Dorchester-on-Thames, with the beautiful Dorchester Abbey in its midst and a population of 1,000 people.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake the duties of the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer of the Parish Council and act in accordance with the statutory duty to carry out all the functions and to serve or issue all notifications required by law of a local authority’s Proper Office.
• Be responsible for the Parish Council’s Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Policies in respect of the Authority’s activities and to ensure all the information is available for making effective decisions. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Policies to be reviewed annually.
• Ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the Council are observed.
• Issue notices, prepare agendas for Council meetings (12 per year), attend, record attendances and the decisions taken, prepare minutes (within a week of meeting) and ensure implementation of such decisions in accordance with the Council’s policies

Person specification

Qualifications

• Certificate in Local Council Administration or hold relevant professional qualification such as local government degree. OR Willing to train towards CiLCA (financial support will be given)

Experience

• Knowledge of local government administration laws and procedures
• Business planning, budgeting, keeping accounts and generating financial plus statutory reports including preparing for year-end audit
• Working to deadlines with the necessary commitment to meeting regular timelines
• Procurement including contract negotiation and management
• Project management
• Health & Safety at work and risk assessments
• Applying for grant funds

Skills and abilities

• Willingness to learn
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with ability to prioritise workload
• Excellent communication skills with ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people
• Ability to communicate with a wide age group via different routes to include internet, social media and other approaches
• T. skills with proficiency in use of Microsoft Office and other accounting software

Please contact [email protected] for the full job description.

Application is by cv and covering letter.

The deadline is Friday 3 November.