“Happy to talk flexible working”
About us
About the role and team
A Interim Parish Clerk is sought to lead and coordinate all practical, legal, governance, financial and administrative arrangements necessary to establish and operationalise three new Parish Councils in within the district of Mole Valley.
Please note this role is offered as a fixed term post and at 20 hours per week.
Following a recent Community Governance Review three new Parishes are being created in Box Hill, Dorking and Westcott. The postholder will oversee the creation of the council's governance framework, policies, procedures and administrative systems; establish key operational arrangements including banking, financial management and regulatory compliance; support the newly elected council in becoming fully functional and meeting-ready; and ensure that all statutory requirements are met from vesting day (1st April 2027) onward.
A key responsibility of the role is to support the successful transition to a permanent staffing structure, including assisting with the recruitment, appointment and handover to the permanent Parish Clerk for each of the three areas.
This is a fixed term to support the establishment of the three new parish councils with end date of31st May 2027, with possible extension dependent on the recruitment of the permanent clerk/s for the parishes. This role will TUPE across to East Surrey Council on 1st April 2027.
The post has been designated as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
About you
We are looking for a well organised and dynamic individual who has an interest in local government at parish level and working with a range of stakeholders both within Mole Valley District Council and the three communities.
You will possess sound judgement, pay attention to detail and be aware of political sensitivities.
You will be educated to a-level standard or equivalent. Knowledge of local government, the democratic decision making process and the UK electoral system would be a great advantage as would past experience in a public sector (or similar) environment.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, the ability to plan ahead and problem solve are all essential, along with good IT and organisational skills, and the ability to work quickly and under pressure, with minimal supervision.
So, do you like a varied job where no two days are the same?
Are you interested in working with elected members and local residents?
Can you think on your feet and work to your own initiative?
If yes, then this role is for you.
For you
Hybrid working with flexibility (if your role can offer hybrid working)
We’re less about you driving to work and more about driving down our carbon footprint (meeting our pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030).
Our hybrid working policy offers many employees the opportunity to work from home up to three days at week should they wish (pro rata for part time working).
In support of our people and our Climate Change Strategy, we welcome hybrid working and are happy to talk flexible working too, where appropriate to the role. There are some roles where hybrid and/or flexible working may not be possible, particularly where we need to be responsive to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.
Further info
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Lucy O’Connell, Democratic Services Manager (
[email protected]) or call 01306 8791384.
Closing date for applicants: Friday 18th September 2026
Shortlisting date: Monday 21st September 2026
Interview dates: Friday 25th September 2026
How to apply
Click Apply Now or email our careers inbox submit your up to date CV/along with a supporting statement, to let us know how you meet the required skills and experience of the job description and person specification.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Mole Valley District Council is preparing for a major transformation through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) which will come into effect on 1 April 2027. The aim of LGR is to create a more streamlined, efficient and locally responsive system of government that strengthens public services. You can find out more about the LGR on the Surrey LGR Hub website
As a result of these changes, Surrey County Council and the 11 District and Borough Councils — including Mole Valley District Council — will be replaced by two new unitary councils: East Surrey and West Surrey. Mole Valley District Council will become part of the new East Surrey Unitary Council and this authority will be responsible for all services in the eastern part of the county.
As we move toward LGR, we want to reassure all applicants that roles linked to Mole Valley District Council will continue beyond the transition period and arrangements are in place to ensure that staff will transfer on existing terms and conditions to the new East Surrey Council.
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