Opportunities

We have an exciting opportunity for a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) to join our team. This is a senior role within our organisation and is the “Proper Officer” of the council having responsibility for its financial and administrative affairs including the custody of council documents and records.

The parish, which is the third largest (in terms of population) in the New Forest District Council area, lies on the eastern boundary of the District Council. It is situated on the banks of Southampton Water and covers an area of approximately 6 square miles with a resident population of approximately 20,000. There are good travel links from the Hythe area with the M27 some 10 miles north providing direct access to the motorway network linking to London (77 miles), Birmingham (128 miles). The rail link from Southampton gives a 70 minute link to London. Southampton is a twelve minute ferry journey from Hythe Pier. Southampton and Bournemouth Airports are within a half hour’s drive.

There are 13 elected Members, some of which also represent the community at the New Forest District Council and the Hampshire County Council.

The council has an adopted Neighbourhood Plan. As part of its aims to improve the quality of life of residents the council will shortly be providing an Accredited Community Safety Service.

One of the key challenges facing the council is identifying ways to increase the economic viability of the parish.

More information can be found on the council’s website here.

Role & Responsibilities

• Overall administration of the Parish Council’s business – preparation of papers for Council Meetings, taking and production of accurate minutes, dealing with correspondence, monitoring Council’s policies and advising Councillors regarding legal and good practice requirements Guiding and advising the Council in its statutory role as a local authority.
• Updating policies and procedures in line with current legislation and following advice from advisory bodies to the sector.
• Setting meeting agendas and taking minutes for the Council.
• Maintenance of accurate and up-to-date financial records of the Parish Council– placing orders, preparing invoices for payment, receiving and banking income and liaising with Internal and External Auditors and processing employees payroll.
• Maintenance of Risk Management processes – monthly Risk Reviews and adequate Insurance Cover.
• Responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the Council in connection with its function as a Local Authority are carried out.
• Implementation of the Council’s resolutions from monthly full council meetings.
• Be under a statutory duty to carry out all of the functions, and in particular to serve or issue all the notifications required by law of a local authority’s Proper Officer.
• Update the Council’s website.
• Dealing with correspondence by e-mail, post and publishing the newsletter.
• Advise the Council on, and assist in the formation of, overall policies to be followed in respect of the Council’s activities and in particular to produce all the information required for making effective decisions and to implement constructively all decisions.
• Accountable to the Council for the effective management of its 15 members of staff and resources and will report to it as and when required.
• The post-holder will act as the Clerk to two charities where the Council is the sole Trustee.

Key requirements of the successful candidates

You will have experience in senior management and a financial background, with supporting wide variety of skills. Previous financial experience within local government is desirable.

You are also required to have proven organisational, administrative, managerial, communication and IT skills, together with experience in finance and budget control. You will need a commitment to public service and community focus, and the drive to move the council’s services forward in challenging times. Financial acumen will be essential as well as leadership and communication skills and the ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and on your own initiative. You will be ably supported by a Deputy Clerk.
Previous Local Government/public centre experience is desirable and you will already hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or be prepared to qualify within the first year of your employment.

Attendance at evening meetings will be a requirement. Committee and council meetings are currently held on Wednesday evenings with working group meetings held as and when required in the evenings.

You will be based in the parish council offices at The Grove in Hythe where free parking is available. You may also be required to be based in one of the Council’s other facilities from time to time. You will be entitled to 21 days annual leave per annum rising to 25 days after 5 years continuous service plus statutory public holidays. You will also be able to join a workplace pension scheme.

For a copy of the full job description and person specification click here.

For futher information, please contact: Sean Spencer, telephone 02380841411

Or email: [email protected]

Please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 11^th September 2020.

Interviews will be held in September 2020.

We look forward to hearing from you.