JOB TITLE: DEPUTY TOWN CLERK
JOB GRADE: SCP 29 – 32 (£39,862 - £42,839 subject to pending local government pay claim 2026/27)
CONTRACTED HOURS: 37 hours per week, plus attendance at community engagement committee, staffing committee and Full Council meetings as required.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Town Clerk
BASED AT: Community Hub / home working
For an application pack and full details of the above posts please contact Julia Winkworth, PA to the Town Clerk, on 01684 566667 Or email [email protected]
Closing date: Monday 24 August 2026 at 9am.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE
To support the Town Clerk in the full range of Council duties and ensure the effective day to day operation of Town Council services, governance and resources.
To deputise for the Town Clerk in their absence and undertake the activities and statutory responsibilities of the Proper Officer, Town Clerk and RFO as required.
To support the Town Clerk with the human resource management.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic and Policy Responsibilities
· Support the Town Clerk in developing, implementing and monitoring Council policies and procedures.
· Maintain an awareness of any potential risks, issues or opportunities that could affect or benefit the Town Council and advise the Town Clerk accordingly.
· Assist and support the Town Clerk with any key strategic projects and the operation of contracts as required.
· To monitor the effectiveness of policies, procedures and plans and to suggest improvements where necessary.
· To study official reports and other papers that relate to the activities of the Council, to take appropriate advice from specialists where required and to advise council of any implications that arise from such studies.
· To prepare, present and respond to reports on all aspects of the Council’s administration services as required at Committee and Council meetings.
Governance and Administration
· To assist the Town Clerk in ensuring that all legal, statutory and regulatory requirements are met.
· To perform the duties of and be proficient in all aspects of the administrative services provided by the Town Council on a daily basis.
· To support the Town Clerk in the preparation of agendas, reports, notices and minutes for Committee and Council meetings and any other sub-committees or working parties as may be required from time to time.
· To take the lead in the preparation of agendas, reports, notices and minutes for the Council’s Community Engagement Committee.
· To provide professional advice and administrative support to all town councillors as required.
· To maintain accurate records and ensure effective document management systems.
· To ensure the efficient operation of the Community Hub building and to review, develop and monitor systems, processes and procedures to ensure the smooth running of all administrative functions.
· To ensure that the Council’s policies are regularly reviewed, updated and added to as required, ensuring continued compliance with legislation.
· To investigate and report on complaints relating to any Council service or functions, acting to remedy problems and to provide feedback to councillors, members of the public and partner organisations.
Finance and Procurement
· To work alongside the Town Clerk and RFO in budget preparation, monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting.
· To support the Town Clerk and RFO in maintaining financial records and preparing year end accounts and annual audit submissions.
· To support the Town Clerk and Operations Manager in procurement activities including the preparation of tender documents, managing tender processes, management and monitoring of contracts and supplier performance.
· To ensure that resources, assets and contracts are used and managed efficiently and represent value for money.
· Research relevant grants, CIL and section 106 opportunities in order to fund elements of Town Council work and under the direction of the Town Clerk submit and manage any applications.
· Assist the Town Clerk and RFO with continued compliance with the Town Council’s financial regulations.
Human Resources
· To work alongside the Town Clerk in the recruitment of and development of administration staff, ensuring that training needs are identified, delivered and recorded.
· To implement and maintain a staff handbook and work alongside the Town Clerk in managing disciplinary, grievance and performance matters in line with the Council’s adopted policies.
· To attend and support staffing committee meetings as required.
· To provide support to the Town Clerk in the production of correspondence relating to human resources.
· To ensure that HR records and files are maintained and kept up to date.
· To assist other staff in the discharge of their duties as required.
Communications, Community Engagement and Events
· To facilitate delivery of the Council’s Community Engagement strategy, support the Council’s Community Engagement Committee, and provide guidance to any staff holding responsibilities in this area.
· To work alongside the Council’s Communications Officer in promoting the Council’s work through a diverse range of communication channels including social media and the website.
· To take a lead role in the development of and production of the Council’s newsletter, promotional literature and annual reports as required.
· To oversee the planning, organisation and co-ordination of Town Council events in conjunction with the Council’s events officers and as directed by the Council.
Training and Development
· To attend relevant training courses and conferences.
· To be willing within two years to work towards achieving the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) if not already held.
· To undertake continuous professional development.
General
· To work alongside the Town Clerk and Operations Manager to ensure that the Council is adequately insured and that a record is made of all insurance claims raised and settled.
· To develop and maintain effective working relationships with councillors, staff and other local organisations.
· To represent the Council at meetings concerning matters which affect directly or indirectly the work of the Town Council.
· To familiarise themselves with all aspects of Council business so that they can act as a first line of contact with the public, councillors and others.
· To comply with all Council policies and procedures and always maintain strict confidentiality.
· To work flexibly including some evening and weekend work as reasonably required in support of council events and activities.
Pay: £39,862.00-£42,839.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
