Opportunities

Position: Permanent Full time

Hours: 37 hours per week including evenings and weekends, located at the Town Hall, 19 Alvescot Road, Carterton, Oxon OX18 3JL

Salary: £41,496 – £47,573

Responsible to: The Elected Council

Responsible for: All Council employees

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free on-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Some evening and weekend work required

Qualifications:

• Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
• GPC Section 7 in isolation Module Certificate if the above was awarded pre 2012

Or

• The certificate or Higher Education in Local Council administration
• The first Level of the foundation Degree in Community Engagement
• The Certificate of higher education in local policy and governance Level 4

Please apply in the First Instance to Councillor Phil Godfrey, HR Committee

At [email protected] or Mobile: 07813 709207

Key Responsibilities

1. To provide inspiring leadership as the head of paid service in the strategic management of the Town Council and to advise the Council on all matters, helping to develop policies and strategies and ensuring the legality of all decisions.
2. To deliver high quality, value for money services which meet the needs, aspirations and expectations of Carterton’s residents, visitors and workers, in line with the direction given by the elected Members.
3. To actively foster and develop relationships with third party organisations of all types, other tiers of Local Government, neighbouring Councils and the voluntary sector to enhance the image of Carterton, its community and Town Council.
4. Under the direction of the Council, acting as the spokesperson of the Council and ensuring the voice of the community of Carterton is always heard.

Specific Responsibilities

1. To act in all respects as the Council’s head of service and Proper Officer as required by law, the Council’s Standing Orders, Terms of Reference and Financial Regulations or administrative best practice including the supervision, either direct or indirect, of all staff employed by the Council and to ensure they receive appropriate training and updating of skills to match their responsibilities.
2. To ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the Council are observed.
3. To ensure that the Council’s obligations for risk management are properly discharged.
4. To assist the Council to define its high-level objectives and to monitor their achievement through the Council’s performance management arrangements.
5. To issue notices, prepare agendas for meetings of the Council and its various Committees, sub- committees, working groups and panels as appropriate; to attend or be represented at all such meetings as required, to record attendances at and the decisions of those required meetings, preparing minutes for approval and to implement such decisions in accordance with the Council’s policy.
6. To ensure the maintenance of the Council’s heritage through the satisfactory and efficient organisation of civic and related ceremonial or social functions and personally attending on appropriate occasions. Proactively to support and promote the Carterton Town Mayor in their role.
7. To study reports and other data on the activities of the Council and on matters bearing on those activities. Where appropriate, to discuss such matters with specialists in particular fields and to produce reports for consideration by the Council.
8. To draw up on own initiative, and as a result of input from elected Council Members, proposals for consideration by the Council and advise on the practicability and potential effects of specific courses of action. Undertake research and take advice in order to achieve best possible outcomes.
9. To provide proactive, inspiring leadership to both the employees and elected Council Members, leading at all times by example in promoting a can-do, enthusiastic and professional approach to all the Council’s activities.
10. To obtain external specialist advice when appropriate to ensure that the best advice is available to the Council and/or its various Committees, sub-committees, working groups and panels to aid members in the decision-making process.
11. To ensure that the Council’s Standing Orders, Terms of Reference Financial Regulations and Policies are enforced, reviewed and recognised.
12. To receive correspondence and documents on behalf of the Council and to deal with the correspondence or documents or bring such items to the attention of the Council. To prepare and issue correspondence as a result of the instructions or known policy of the Council.
13. To monitor the implemented policies of the Council to ensure they are achieving the desired result and where appropriate suggest modifications.
14. To supervise other members of staff either directly or indirectly in keeping with the policies of the Council and to ensure that all necessary activities in connection with the management of salaries, conditions of employment and work of other staff are carried out.
15. To manage and oversee the Council’s performance management systems and employee appraisal scheme, including enabling employees to develop within their roles via a culture of continuous improvement.
16. To drive and promote a customer facing, customer focused, open and accountable Council amongst employees.
17. To ensure that the Council complies with health and safety legislation and to ensure the safety and well-being of those who visit or work in the facilities provided by the Council.
18. To act as the representative of the Council as required, liaising and building effective relationships with the public, other organisations and the press as appropriate.
19. To ensure that arrangements are in place for appropriate insurance cover for the

Council’s assets and public and other liabilities.

20. To be responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the security and maintenance to an agreed standard of all buildings and property owned or managed by the Council.
21. To be responsible for the proper maintenance and safe custody of all civic regalia, and other Council records, deeds, documents, etc.
22. To administer and promote the use of the Town Hall and other accommodation or facilities provided by the Council for the benefit of the local community.
23. To prepare press releases about the activities or decisions of the Council and to be responsible for all routine contacts with representatives of the broadcasting and print media and to produce or ensure the production of such other publicity including the use of social media as the Council may from time to time require.
24. To ensure the maintenance of the Council’s website and to implement improvements to it identified as necessary or desirable.
25. To develop the image of the Council and to take advantage of opportunities and initiatives that arise locally, regionally and nationally.
26. To attend conferences, training courses or seminars as required by the Council including the National Conference of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).
27. To continue personally to acquire the necessary professional knowledge required for the efficient management of the affairs of the Council through the SLCC’s process of continual professional development.
28. To undertake such other responsibilities and functions as may be required from time to time by the Council and by the demands of the office routine and business commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Statutory Financial Responsibilities

1. Being responsible for and carrying out all the functions required by law of the Council’s responsible financial officer under S151 of the Local Government Act 1972.
2. Acting as the Council’s principal adviser on financial matters and being responsible for the careful administration of the Council’s finances, and the proper application and maintenance of the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
3. Advising the Council and its Committees on and preparing the annual budget estimates of income and expenditure for revenue services, project and annual precept requirements.
4. Monitoring and managing the Council’s budget and expenditure and income and providing the council with monthly updates.
5. To manage the Council’s contractor who delivers accountancy services.

Service and Operational Responsibilities

1. To ensure the efficient running of the Town Council office, reviewing and monitoring systems, processes, and procedures, and updating where appropriate making best use of appropriate information technology.
2. To oversee the development and administration of the Council’s website and social media presence.
3. To liaise with contractors regarding the procurement and fulfilment of contracts, the provision of services, and the maintenance of Council assets.
4. To manage and monitor service level agreements and contracts for services in relation to the functions and services of the Council.
5. To organise and oversee Council events.