Opportunities

30 hours per week

Starting salary in the region £36,922 – £39,880 p.a. for 37 hours (£29,936 – £32,335 p.a. pro rata) depending on experience and qualifications

PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT ACCEPT CV’S FOR THIS POST

Keswick is a thriving market town of approximately 5,000 residents within the Lake District National Park, which welcomes over 3 million visitors each year.  Keswick Town Council is a  proactive council which is now seeking an experienced and forward-thinking town clerk to take responsibility for all aspects of the management, functions and responsibilities of the council following the retirement of the current post-holder in March 2021.

Based at the Council Offices in Keswick, the clerk will act as the Proper Officer of the authority, and as such will be required to ensure that all legal, statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the council are observed.  With the support of the Responsible Financial Officer and Parks Manager, the clerk is responsible for the day to day management of the council and Keswick Parks.

Working closely with local partners, the council provides a range of services and events including an annual Midsummer Festival, a Christmas Lights display and switch on event.  It also looks after the War Memorial, manages a small allotment site and an annual grants programme.  The clerk will act as a trustee of Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership, a body of local volunteers led by a Project Manager, who provide support in times of emergency such as flooding, pandemic etc.

The town council is sole managing trustee of Hope and Fitz Parks and the Townsfield (a registered village green) which are all Charitable Trusts, and the town clerk will act as clerk to the Trusts with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of parks management, including liaising with commercial and other stakeholders.  A knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission requirements is essential to ensure that these are met.  Budget responsibility for the council and Parks is in the region of £700,000 per annum.

Candidates must hold a relevant professional qualification and be able to demonstrate staff and project management experience in a senior management role.  Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills are essential, including a familiarity with press and communications concepts.  A sound knowledge of local government legislation and procedures is a key requirement together with a commitment to public service.

The successful applicant will have at least two years’ relevant experience, preferably as a Town Clerk or Deputy, and ideally will hold or be studying for the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).

For further details and an application pack visit: www.keswicktowncouncil.gov.uk or email [email protected].

Closing date: 1^st December 2020 at 12 noon

Interview date: 11^th December 2020

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Lynda Walker on 017687 73607.