Opportunities

Bedfordshire Association of Town & Parish Councils is looking for a County Officer to work with the County Committee of elected Councillors to support the town and parish councils in Bedfordshire.

The role is to advise and support member councils and requires knowledge of the legal framework within which local councils work, the ability to liaise with the National Association of Local Councils and member councils, to provide training to councillors and clerks and to produce a regular newsletter.

Hours: 25 hours per week (Some evening work necessary, with time off in lieu)

Salary: SCP 30 – 34 (pro rata)

Location: Based in Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

Closing date for applications: 19th February 2021

Interviews, by Zoom: Week of 22nd February, 2021

To download an application form, please visit the BATPC website here.

Job Description for County Officer

Post Title: County Officer

Hours of work: 25 hours per week.

Hours of attendance: 08.30 – 13.30 Monday to Friday (BATPC office hours for member councils 09.00-13.00, Monday to Friday)

Annual leave: 25 days per annum (pro rata) plus bank/public holidays

Manager: BATPC Management Committee

Location: Suite 11, Baystrait House, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

(working from home during Covid-19 restrictions) plus meeting and event locations

Salary Scale: SCP 30 – 34, NJC Pay Scales, pro rata

Travel Allowance: 60.1p per mile (paid through PAYE)

The role involves:

• Providing briefings and guidance on law, procedure and good practice for member councils
• Responding to requests for advice and support from member councils (telephone, e-mail, letter) and liaising with NALC, including the Legal Team, as necessary
• Producing and circulating electronically a bi-monthly Bedfordshire Bugle newsletter to member councils
• Preparing and delivering training for clerks, councillors and councils
• Organising appropriate training through external organisations
• Delivering training for CiLCA in accordance with SLA with Improvement and Verification Board (IDB)
• Supporting councils who are applying for the Local Council Award Scheme (applications assessed by National Panel)
• Supporting councils applying for borrowing approval through submitting applications to and liaising with MHCLG
• Servicing BATPC committees (County Committee, F&GP Committee, Management Committee) and AGM including production of agenda, supporting papers and minutes and administration of County Committee elections (next due Oct 2023)
• Liaising with the Treasurer to draft the budget and agree affiliation fee invoices
• Attending meetings as officer representative NALC, EEAPTC, Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council
• Encouraging membership of BATPC
• Supporting newly created councils
• Line managing Administrative Assistant