Opportunities

Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary band: SCP 34-40, £43,693 to £49,764 (£23,618 to £26,899 pro rata) depending on experience & qualifications
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme

Are you an experienced and motivated individual looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community? Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is seeking a highly organised and dedicated Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) to lead the council’s administration and financial management.

About Us:
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is an active council managing a variety of local services, including allotments, sport pitches with pavilions and two nature reserves. The Council is currently negotiating devolved services from the principal authority. With a focus on community development and high standards of service delivery, we are looking for an enthusiastic Parish Clerk to join our team.

The Council has an office and offers a flexible working environment.

The Role:
As the Parish Clerk and RFO, you will:

• Act as the council’s principal executive officer, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
• Manage the council’s finances, including budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end accounts.
• Provide high-quality advice to councillors, preparing agendas, minutes, and reports for meetings.
• Line-manage staff members, ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the council.
• Work closely with the council’s bookkeeper, who also undertakes payroll duties.
• Provide leadership on managing council properties, and overseeing key projects.
• Support negotiations with the principal authority for devolved services, ensuring the best outcomes for the community.
• Build positive relationships with councillors, contractors, and the wider community.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• The opportunity to lead meaningful projects that benefit the local community.

Job Specification

Job Title: Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £43,693 to £49,764 (£23,618 to £26,899 pro rata) depending on experience & qualifications

Reports To: The Parish Council

Key Responsibilities:

Council Management and Administration

• Provide high-level administrative support to the council, ensuring decisions are implemented effectively.
• Organise and attend all council meetings and designated committee meetings, preparing agendas, reports, and minutes.
• Advise the council on legal, procedural, and financial matters to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Financial Management

• Prepare and monitor the council’s budget, providing regular financial reports to councillors, and submit the annual precept demand.
• Manage accounts, VAT returns, and year-end financial processes in liaison with the bookkeeper.
• Oversee the work of the council’s bookkeeper to ensure accuracy in payroll and bookkeeping.

Staff Management

• Line-manage officers, including oversight of their work and regular appraisals.
• Encourage staff development and training, and seek opportunities for development.
• Maintain a positive, productive and supportive working environment.

Community Engagement and Service Delivery

• Oversee the management of allotments, sports pitches, open spaces and other Council assets, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard.
• Support the council in negotiating devolved services from the principal authority.
• Act as the council’s representative at community and stakeholder meetings.

Policy and Governance

• Maintain and update the council’s policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, GDPR and Freedom of Information regulations.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in local government administration as a Clerk (or equivalent role).
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation and monitoring.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Strong people skills and a positive attitude to team working.
• A good working knowledge of council procedures and relevant legislation.
• Ability to lead and manage staff effectively.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and financial software.
• Knowledge of facilities management.
• CiLCA qualification.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing devolved services or negotiating contracts.
• Knowledge of managing allotments, sports pitches, open spaces and properties.
• Knowledge of the planning system.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to [email protected]

Closing Date: 8/4/2025

Interview Date: TBC

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace.