Parish Clerk Person Specification
Claypole Parish Council Person Specification for role of Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
The successful candidate will have first-hand experience of working as a Clerk for a Town or Parish Council. You must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the governance required within the Parish Council and the legal responsibilities involved. You will be suitably qualified (ideally with or be willing to obtain CiLCA – the Certificate in Local Council Administration), highly motivated, enthusiastic and community focused, you will bring sound leadership, staff management, administrative, communication, IT, financial and organisational skills and be flexible in approach and able to meet deadlines. Candidates will also be considered if they have the ILCA and FILCA qualifications
The qualities we would expect to see in a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer are:-
1. Organisational Skills
- Must be highly organised to manage a wide range of administrative tasks, such as preparing agendas, taking minutes at meetings, and keeping accurate records of council activities.
2. Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication is essential for liaising with parish council members, the public, and other organisations. The Clerk should be able to clearly convey information and ensure effective communication.
3. Attention to Detail
- The Clerk must ensure that all council documents are accurate, meeting legal requirements, and properly filed. This includes managing financial records, contracts, and any official correspondence.
4. Knowledge of Local Government Legislation
- A solid understanding of local government laws, policies, and procedures is vital. This includes knowledge of the Local Government Act, Transparency Code, and other relevant legislation.
5. Discretion and Confidentiality
- The Clerk often handles sensitive information, so discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality are crucial traits.
6. Problem-Solving and Initiative
- The ability to anticipate issues before they arise and take initiative to address problems or propose solutions helps keep the council's work running smoothly.
7. Financial Acumen
- Basic financial management skills are often necessary, including preparing budgets, managing grants, and ensuring the correct handling of council funds.
8. Professionalism and Integrity
- The Clerk must maintain a professional approach at all times, adhering to ethical standards and ensuring that the council’s activities are above board.
9. Ability to Work Independently
- Although the Clerk supports the council, they often work autonomously, so self- motivation and the ability to manage their time effectively are important.
10. Technical Skills
- Familiarity with IT tools for word processing, spreadsheets, etc is required, as is the ability to handle emails, websites, and digital communication platforms.
11. Understanding of Community Engagement
- The Clerk should have a sense of how to engage with the local community, address their concerns, and promote public participation in council meetings.
12. Flexibility and Adaptability
- As the role can be varied, adaptability and the ability to handle a wide range of tasks are important for ensuring that the council's needs are met.