Opportunities

Full Time: (37 hours per week), to be worked flexibly to include evening working and occasional weekends where required for council meetings and events.

Salary: in the range £40,876 to £44,863 p.a. depending on experience and qualifications.

Highworth is an ancient hilltop market town situated in Swindon Unitary Authority. It lies 6 miles north Swindon on the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire border 4 miles from the River Thames. Highworth Town Council is developing ambitious plans to work with the community to progress the localism agenda. It is also seeking to improve its physical infrastructure and connectedness through its Neighbourhood Plan. Central to these objectives are its communication and community engagement.

It is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking and proactive town clerk who is a strong communicator to take responsibility for all aspects of management, functions and responsibilities of the council and to work effectively with the council and its staff to progress its strategic objectives.

Based in the council offices in the town centre, the Clerk will act as the Responsible Financial Officer and as such will be required to ensure that all legal, statutory, contractual, employment, health and safety and other obligations governing the running of the council are observed.

The council provides a range of services and amenities including a community hall, play areas, public toilets, allotments, recreation areas, cemetery and Saturday market. It works closely with local partners and community groups.

Budget responsibility for council net expenditure is in the region of £500,000 per annum. The role is graded in terms of hours and pay scale for a developing council. The council has ambitious plans and as it delivers new facilities and services role progression is expected as responsibilities increase.

The successful applicant will have relevant experience as a Town Clerk or Deputy, and will preferably hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).

Leading a team of 10 staff, the candidate should have excellent people and project management experience together with strong verbal and written communication skills and a familiarity with press and social media communications. A sound knowledge of local government legislation and procedures is a key requirement together with a commitment to public service and community engagement.

For further details and an application form visit the council website here

Closing date: 4.00pm Friday 19^th March 2021

Interview date: Tuesday 30^th March 2021

For an informal chat about this position please contact Keith Smith at 07836 382827