Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer – Winkleigh Parish Council

Winkleigh Parish (includes Hollacombe) is small, rural and growing village with a Council of 10 Councillors. The Parish Council currently meets 10 times per year and
has a committee and working group structure reporting into the Council for decisions.

Working from home, the Clerk/RFO is responsible for managing the Council’s day to day business, providing advice, and implementing decisions. Applicants will need to
be computer literate; able to prepare council agendas and record minutes; be able to prepare and monitor budgets, and manage the Council’s assets and finances.

Previous experience of managing a Parish Council would be an advantage; training is available if required.

Working hours are 12-15 hours per week, and salary will depend on qualifications and experience, and the salary will be in accordance with National Association of
Local Council (NALC) scales depending upon experience.

The Council meets in the evening on the fourth Wednesday of each month, with other meetings being called as required.

A CV and covering email outlining your experience and interest in the position should be sent by email to clerk@winkleighpc.org

The deadline for applications is 14th February 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide the names of two referees.

Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer – Bishops Clyst Parish Council

The present Clerk/RFO is retiring in 2025 and a replacement is required.

Bishops Clyst Parish lies immediately to the East of Exeter and comprises the villages of Clyst St Mary and Sowton. It is a very busy and pro-active council which meets 12 times/year. The Clerk works from the parish council office which is situated in Clyst St Mary Village Hall. Working hours are 12hrs per week and the salary will be in accordance with National Association of Local Council (NALC) scales depending upon experience.

The Clerk/RFO is responsible for managing the Council’s day to day business, providing advice, implementing decisions and managing the assistant clerk. Applicants will need to be computer literate, able to prepare council agendas and record minutes, be familiar with book keeping and financial procedures and be able to correspond with external organisations on behalf of the Council.

The Council meets in the evening on the second Monday of each month, with other meetings being called as required.
Formal training and plenty of help and advice will be available.

For an informal discussion, and an application form and job description, please contact the Chairman, Peter Cain, on 01392 879500 or email petercain@fh9.co.uk .

We’re hiring! Join our team as a Member Services Trainee/Assistant/Officer

We are hiring a Member Services Trainee/Assistant/Officer to join our small, friendly and supportive team empowering local councils in Devon.

Calling all budding customer service executives!

Are you passionate about communities and eager to build a meaningful career in local government? The Devon Association of Local Councils is offering a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in the public sector.  We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team, initially as a Member Services Trainee or Assistant, in a role designed to provide structured training and advancement towards to the role of Member Services Officer.  We also welcome applications from CiLCA qualified and experienced applicants.

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual who can add value to our small, but friendly and supportive team. This role entails acquiring, refining and demonstrating a diverse skill set aimed at delivering exceptional support and services to our member councils.  As you progress through the milestones, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of our organisation.

The position requires:

  • At minimum, a level 3 qualification (A-level or equivalent), a degree level qualification or equivalent work experience is highly desirable.
  • Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Administrative experience, and proficiency in using standard office software (Office 365)
  • A commitment to serving the needs of local councils.

Join our team and embark on a fulfilling career journey to support and empower local councils throughout Devon. Your dedication and commitment will contribute to the success of our organisation and the communities we serve.

For further information please visit www.devonalc.org.uk.

 About DALC:

DALC is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting local councils in Devon. Parish and town councils are the first tier of local government and DALC plays a crucial role in empowering councils to better serve their communities and represent their interests. We provide a range of services, such as advice, information, training and networking, to assist local councils in their work and are a voice for parish and town councils in local government and beyond.

At DALC, we value our employees and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. You will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team committed to supporting local councils and the enhancement of local governance in Devon.

 How to apply:

If you are a hardworking, self-motivated individual, keen to be part of a committed team, we invite you to apply for this position. Please submit your CV with full employment history and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining DALC. Please indicate which level you are interested in applying for. Applications can be sent to Cara Stobart, County Officer at cara@devonalc.org.uk by Friday 1 March 2024.

If you are interested in this post, we welcome an informal chat. Contact Cara Stobart, County Officer at cara@devonalc.org.uk or call 01392 241131.

Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024.

Interview date: wk beginning 11 March.  To be confirmed.

Further information:

Job Descriptions | Person Specifications

Apply to join our non-executive director team

The Devon Association of Local Councils plays a vital role in empowering parish and town councils across Devon.

As an organisation committed to fostering local governance, DALC is seeking individuals to step forward and contribute their skills and experience as non-executive directors.

Reasons to consider applying:

1: Contribute to our effective governance

As a company director for DALC, you can actively contribute to our strategic plan.  You can help shape the policies and decisions that directly impact our membership.  Your input and expertise can influence how we deliver our services, how resources are allocated, and the projects/initiatives we engage with.

2: Make a meaningful impact

If you are passionate about local councils and standards of probity in public life, and wish to promote and protect local councils interests, rights, functions, and privileges, and assist them in the performance of their duties, then DALC can offer a fulfilling platform to translate that passion into action.  Through the role you can work with fellow directors, staff and member councils to promote widespread and well-informed interest in local government. Your contributions can create a lasting impact on local councils in Devon.

3: Personal and professional development

Serving as a non-executive director for DALC provides an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.  You will gain valuable experience in strategic planning, governance, financial management – all skills which are highly transferrable.  Engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and collaborating with fellow directors can broaden your network and enhance your leadership abilities. We will invite you to share in the development of relevant training and shadowing opportunities to strengthen your skills base.

4: Connect with like-minded people

Joining DALC as a non-executive director brings you into a community of like-minded people who are equally committed and passionate about local councils. You will have opportunities to network, share ideas and collaborate. The sense of camaraderie and shared purposed provides invaluable support, inspiration, and encouragement throughout your directorship.

5: Contribute to Devon’s vibrant communities

By becoming a non-executive director for DALC, you will be actively contributing to supporting parish and town councils in Devon, empowering councils to continuing serving its unique and diverse communities, making our county a thriving place to live, work and play.

What’s involved?

DALC’s Board will only be effective if all members are committed to the responsibilities involved.  As a non-executive director you will be expected to attend bi-monthly meetings, usually held remotely, and the occasional in-person workshop.  Meetings are typically 2 hours in length.  Where in-person meetings take place, at our offices in Cheriton Bishop, all reasonable expenses will be covered.

Non-executive directors may choose to be appointed to committees and/or working groups, which will require further commitment.  Again, these are usually held remotely.

Every member of the Board receives free attendance at our prestigious annual conference.

All non-executive directors will be expected to communicate via email and to respond promptly to correspondence from the County Officer and fellow directors.

Read the role profile for a non-executive director

Apply today!

Standing as a non-executive director for DALC offers an exciting opportunity to bring your skills, expertise and passion to the table, and make a tangible contribution to Devon’s local government community.

Complete your online application form by 5pm, Friday 18 August 2023.

For an informal chat, please contact the Cara Stobart, County Officer on 01392 241131 or cara@devonalc.org.uk.

About the application process

The Board of Directors is comprised of up to nine seats which are appointed at the Annual General Meeting.  The term of office for appointments is three years.  There are four vacancies to fill at the Annual General Meeting taking place on 27 September 2023.

Who can put themselves forward?

 To be eligible to stand, individuals must be willing to act as a director and permitted in law to do so, and at the time of election, be either: a parish or town councillor, or a chairman of a parish meeting, within the county of Devon.

Individuals must not be disqualified from acting as a director under the Company Directors Disqualifications Act 1986.

Individuals need not be nominated or provide referees, though it would be beneficial to have the support of your parish or town council (where applicable).  We ask that there be no more than one candidate from any one parish or town council, or parish meeting.

How to apply

Candidates wishing to be considered must complete and submit the application form.

All applicants will be treated fairly and equally regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, political or trade union activity or any other forms of discrimination.

Voting

Assuming there are more candidates than seats available, details of the applicants (their name and personal statement) will be sent to all member councils with instructions on how to place their vote for their preferred candidates.  Appointments will be confirmed via resolution at the Annual General Meeting.

Timetable for applications

There is a very tight timetable and candidates are invited to put themselves forward forthwith. Councils are asked to ensure arrangements are made to deal with the ballot stage at the appropriate time. This may include adding the item to the agenda of your September meeting, or agreeing delegation to your clerk to return the ballot paper.

Applications to be returned by: 5pm Friday 18 August 2023
Information regarding candidates to be sent by: Wednesday 30 August 2023
Ballot Votes (if applicable) to be submitted by: 9am Monday 25 September 2023
Results confirmed and agreed at the AGM: Wednesday 27 September 2023