Barkham Parish Council - Vacancy for a Deputy Clerk

Name of recruiting organisation

Barkham Parish Council

Employed role/Volunteer role

Employed

Permanent role/Fixed term role for X months

Permanent

Location:

Based at Barkham Parish Council Office, Arborfield Green Community Centre, Sheerlands Road, Arborfield, RG2 9ND

Salary:

£14.60 - £15.58 per hour

Hours:

12 hours per week

Our council and the role:

This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting the progress Barkham Parish Council has been making in recent years. The role of Deputy Clerk is a new role for the Council and has been created in recognition of the ongoing development and expansion in the range projects that are led by the Council.

The jobholder will work with the Parish Clerk, Members, and colleagues to develop and deliver strategies and policies to take forward the aspirations of the Council. They will manage a range of functions, including managing The Coombes Woodlands; the Job Description outlines the general responsibilities, but the detail of the functions managed may be tailored to fit the experience and skills of the jobholder and will be agreed with the Parish Clerk following appointment.

The jobholder will have a financial overview of the Council (and subject to potential future needs of the Council, may be required to become Responsible Financial Officer). It is not a requirement, but it is desirable, that the jobholder has finance experience or background. They must be familiar with the relevant regulations and guidelines covering the proper management of the Council’s funds, but training and support to achieve the appropriate knowledge may be provided to the right candidate if required.

The jobholder will act as Proper Officer in accordance with Local Government regulations in the absence of the Parish Clerk.

Duties will include:

To assist the Clerk with Finance / Accounts
To assist the Clerk with Payroll
To assist the Clerk with purchasing and supplies
To assist the Clerk with council administration
To assist the Clerk with maintaining the asset register
To assist the Clerk with creating or reviewing policy documents
To deputise for the clerk
To oversee the management of The Coombes Woodland
To manage the council’s communications with residents and other organisations.
To carry out any other duties commensurate with the role

The ideal candidate will have/be:

	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
Educational qualifications	A good general level of education: 5 GCSE’s or equivalent including English and Maths. A commitment to continuing professional development A recognised qualification in local government administration CiLCA qualified
Previous work experience	Experience of working as part of a small interdependent team Dealing with the public Assembling knowledge to provide a written statement of response Arranging, chairing and processing actions from meetings Local government experience
Skills	Good knowledge of office management systems and procedures; Good level of knowledge using MS Office. Knowledge of website management and social media; Good communication and writing skills, Good organisational skills – able to prioritise workload; Tact, diplomacy, confidentiality and sensitivity. A solid supportive team worker Good at communicating with people of all ages and backgrounds in person, by email or by telephone Able to deal with challenging situations eg complaints Ability to understand the legal framework in which the Council operates
Personal attributes	Good self-motivation; adaptable, flexible; Ability to work under pressure, identify priorities and meet deadlines; Enthusiastic with team approach Able to maintain good relationships with staff, councillors, contractors and members of the public Self-reliant and self-motivated
Motivation	Willingness to undertake essential training Openness to learning and change Desire to do the best for the residents
Other	Able to attend evening meetings and demonstrate flexibility as required. Driving licence, ability to travel. Friendly Patient Sense of humour Professional attitude and attire Ability to work from home if required

What we offer you in return:

We offer 23 days holiday a year, rising to 26 days after 5 years of service, pro-rata for part time employees; plus, bank holidays, two additional statutory days, and a Local Government Pension scheme.
Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance

How to find out more details and apply:

Further information and an application pack is available from our website: https://barkhamparish.gov.uk/notices/deputy-clerk-position/

Or CV’s by email to Clerk@barkhamparish.gov.uk

Closing date:

10th January 2025