Become a clerk

The Parish Clerk is normally the main employee of the local council and can be either full-time or part-time depending on the size of the council. They can have other employees working for them in a variety of roles.

The Parish Clerk is somebody who provides help, guidance and support not only to their councillors but also to members of the public. They are the person who ensures that the council operates effectively and within the law enabling them to make decisions for the benefit of the community they represent.

There is no requirement for a Parish Clerk to have formal training or qualifications but must as a minimum be an experienced administrator, be IT literate and interact well with members of the public.

Being a Parish Clerk is a key role in the local government network and a dedicated clerk is an asset to both their parish council and the local community. There are opportunities through further training and membership of local clerk forums etc to expand their knowledge and skills.

It is recommended that all Parish Clerks obtain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) as this recognised qualification provides a good grounding in the duties of a Parish Clerk.