Opportunities

Vacancy from: Immediate start

Hours: 37 per week

Salary: subject to qualifications and experience

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.

Below is a brief introduction to the parish council, more information can be found on the council’s website www.hytheanddibden.gov.uk

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.

The council’s agreed precept for 2020/2021 is £830,198.

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

The council has an adopted Neighborhood Plan. As part of its aims to improve the quality of life for 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.

Role & Responsibilities

The clerk to the council will be responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the council in connection with its function as a Local Authority are carried out. The clerk to the council will be the proper officer of the council and as such is under a statutory duty to carry out all the functions, and in particular to serve or issue all the notifications required by law of a local authority’s proper officer. The clerk to the council is expected to 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. The person appointed will be accountable to the council for the effective management of its 14 members of staff and resources and will report to it as and when required. The clerk to the council will be the responsible financial officer and responsible for all financial records of the council and the administration of its finances.

In addition, 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 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. 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 working towards it. Alternatively you should be educated to Level 4 or above.

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.

The post-holder 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 be based in the parish council offices at The Grove where free parking is available. You may also be required to be based in one of the council’s other facilities.

Please find the job description here.

For more information and a copy of the person specification please contact: Sean Spencer telephone 02380 841411 or email: [email protected]

Please send a CV and covering letter [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 16th March 2020.

Interviews will be held on 23rd March 2020.

We look forward to hearing from you.