WEST LAVINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

VACANCY – CLERK TO THE COUNCIL

The Parish Council is seeking to make an appointment to fill this vital role.

The job is for part-time employment, for an annualised average of 10 hours per week (including paid leave) conditioned to national terms and conditions and model contract. The salary is linked to Scale LC1 on the SCR scale 7 – 12, dependent upon experience.

With a home-based, flexible outlook, the successful candidate will need access to room/desk space, file storage space, printing and a broadband/phone connection. A separate office allowance is paid monthly to support these facilities, together with expense re-imbursement for consumables as arising.  Residing in West Lavington parish is not a requirement.

The Clerk, who is also the Responsible Financial Officer, is responsible for preparing meeting agendas and supporting papers, managing the Council’s finances and accountancy, attending at and providing advice to its meetings, taking minutes and completing administrative actions arising from the meeting. The Council operates a website which the clerk is responsible for monitoring for currently and submitting legally responsible information and other relevant information.  Clerk is also responsible for keeping the parish council noticeboard up to date.

The full Council meets 11 times per year in the evenings of the first Thursday of each month in the Village Hall (usually none in August) plus the Annual Parish Meeting in May. There are two committees/working groups, meeting a total of 4 times per year, and the Members also arrange for informal training and briefing seminars twice per year.  In addition there is a Neighbourhood Plan operational group that meet at least every quarter.

Applicants should have experience of spreadsheet accounts, minute taking, and correspondence. A working knowledge of Parish Council procedures and/or public administration is also desirable, as is a relevant qualification such as the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) but not essential as training will be given. Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills are essential to the position as are the personal qualities of integrity, discretion, objectivity, and impartiality.

Key tasks will include: acting as an adviser and ensuring the council follows sound governance practices; attendance at monthly and extraordinary Council meetings in West Lavington; preparation of minutes and agenda actions; management of accounts; banking; PAYE, VAT and budgets; preparation of annual audit and accountability return. Experience in using IT (emails, word processing, spreadsheets, internet, website) will be essential.   IT equipment/laptop will be provided.

This is an interesting and challenging position, where you would be supporting an active and community-focussed Parish Council. It would suit a person with an interest in community development and engagement.

There are no forms to fill in – just write a letter and include your CV and a personal statement on your suitability for the role and send to the Chairman of the Council, Cllr Julia Ford, The Old Post Office, West Lavington, Devizes, SN10 4LD.  For an informal discussion about the role do not hesitate to contact the current Clerk, Kaye Elston at the parish council email address:  clerk@westlavington.org.uk     References will be requested and subject to a Basic DBS checks.

Closing date for applications is the 30th April 2022 with a view to appointment from 1 July 2022.