Vacancies

 Leybourne Parish Council 

Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer – Leybourne Parish Council.  (Salary within SCP grade 29 – 32 £35,411 to £38,296)

Part-time (flexibility to work 30 - 37 hours per week)

The Parish Council is seeking highly organised and committed applicants to undertake this key role which is responsible for all day-to-day organisation and management of the Council’s services, staff, facilities and finances. You will need therefore to be enthusiastic, flexible and community-focussed with excellent leadership, management, administrative, inter-personal, accounting and IT skills in order to work successfully with staff, Councillors, external organisations, stakeholders and the community.

Ideally candidates will hold or be working towards a minimum of a CiLCA qualification and have a sound understanding of local authority organisation and management.

The post is a minimum of 30 hours per week but flexibly to 37 hours per week with some evening meeting attendance is required.

Please email clerk at clerk@leybournepc.org.uk for a recruitment pack and an application form. Please note that interviews will take place whilst advertising for the role and the council reserves the right to appoint the position at any time.

 Bearsted Parish Council 

Applications are invited for a full time Clerk for Bearsted Parish Council.  This is the lead role for a busy Parish Office where you will be managing a small team involved in the governance and event management for the Parish Council. A minimum of 20 hours per week will be required. Salary will be within the LC2 range depending on experience and qualifications.

You will be expected to have a considerable knowledge of the law relating to the governance of Parish Councils and be able to contribute effectively to ensuring that the Council, its staff and Councillors comply with all governance.

You will need to demonstrate that you are a team player and be able to motivate and guide those working for you.

A track record of people skills will be required as much of the role is about dealing with people including a significant interface with Parishioners, in an open and honest way.

You will be the key point for guiding Councillors on managing the business of the Parish Council.

You will be CiLCA qualified or demonstrably working towards qualification.

You will be expected to lead on the clerking of the Parish Council’s Committee and Full Council meetings, most of which are held in the evening.

A full job description and specification is available here. and  Person specification.

Please write to David Hall, Chairman of Bearsted Parish Council, david.hall@bearstedparishcouncil.gov.uk, with your application for the role using the criteria outlined above together with the more detailed person specification and job description. 

 Newenden Parish Council

On the retirement of the current clerk of Newenden Parish Council, the Council is seeking a replacement clerk and responsible financial officer. Newenden is a small Parish on the border of Ashford Borough Council in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has approximately 200 residents and a Parish Council of five Councillors with a current precept of £10,000 per annum. The Council has about five meetings per year and is responsible for few services in the Parish.

The clerk will be responsible for Council meeting arrangements and dealing with the consultation of around ten small planning applications per year and for making the Annual Return. Prospective candidates will be expected to have good written and verbal ability and reasonable numeracy skills to maintain simple accounts. Experience of local government would be helpful and of local issues affecting a small community and be able to support a small Council. A CILCA qualification would be helpful, but is not essential.

The post is part time and home based. The hours are 220 per year (just over four a week). The clerk will be expected to provide a lap top, internet and be contactable by telephone. Expenses will be paid. The salary is negotiable between £15.00 and £18.00 per hour. The post will become vacant from 1 November.

Applicants should send their CV to: Enquiries@Newenden-PC.gov.uk by 2 October. 

 Westgate on Sea Town Council

Westgate-on-Sea Town Council is seeking to recruit for a full-time Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer.

 The job:

Westgate on Sea is a small coastal town on the Isle of Thanet, with population of 7,514 and a current precept of £186,560. It has ten Members and six members of staff providing a variety of services to the local community.

Candidates will hold or be working towards a minimum of a CiLCA qualification, be familiar with accounting practices in either a detailed or supervisory role and have a record of proven, effective management of staff. Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience in handling major projects.

The position available is working full time 37 hours per week salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications - National Joint Council salary range SCP29 to SCP36, 23 days paid annual leave per year, auto enrolment pension scheme in operation

For a job profile and application form please contact the Deputy Town Clerk:

Westgate-on-Sea Town Council, 78 St Mildreds Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8RFTel : 01843 836182

Email: finance@westgateonsea.gov.uk Closing Date : Noon on Friday 6th October 2023 

Bredhurst Parish Council 

Are you an organised person who wants to support your community? Bredhurst Parish Council have a vacancy for a Parish Council Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer.

If you have excellent computer literacy, the ability to multitask utilising various office packages to provide both written and numerical support to the council then this could be the role for you.

The post is interesting and varied and the successful applicant will be required to provide professional support and guidance in respect of all aspects of the Council’s work.

The successful candidate must have experienced in a similar field for a period of five years or more and have the ability to support a busy Parish Council.

You should either hold the CiLCA qualification or be working towards it.

We would like to hear from you if you feel you are flexible and can commit to supporting your local community. Evening meeting attendance will be required for regular parish meetings.

Working from home, the hours will be 50 per calendar month. The salary is negotiable depending on experience ranging from £13.45 to £16.16 per hour.

The position is permanent, subject to satisfactory completion of an initial probationary period.

Further details including a job description, person specification and routine tasks can be downloaded from www.bredhurstparishcouncil.org.uk

Applicants should forward their CV, with a covering letter explaining their suitability for the role to clerk@bredhurstpc.org.uk.

Job Description and Person Specification 

Closing date for applications is 29th September 2023.  Interviews to be held w/c 16th October 2023. 

Edenbridge Town Council 

Edenbride Town Council CURRENTLY HAVE TWO VACANCIES (CLOSE: MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER - 12.00PM)

  •  Open Spaces and Administration Officer
  • Community Warden

If you are interested in working for a local council and enjoy interacting with a range of people, it’s an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team.

For details on each position, please view the Job Descriptions.
Application forms must be completed.
Deadline for applications is Monday 25th September 12.00 pm. 
To discuss any of the positions, please contact the Town Clerk on 01732 865368 or email townclerk@edenbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk

OPEN SPACES AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Full-time (37-hours per week Monday to Friday)

We are looking for someone to join our busy and lively office who is a good administrator, organised and able to deliver small projects for the Council’s Open Spaces, has a good understanding of risk assessment and health and safety controls, and good customer service skills. The successful applicant will have responsibility for working with the Open Spaces Committee (and other committees as delegated); to prepare its agendas and reports, attend clerk meetings, write minutes and implement its actions. To provide administrative support to the Head Groundsman and Buildings Manager, and Council office including front desk customer service to the residents and visitors to Edenbridge. To oversee the administration and management of the Swan Lane allotments and liaise with the EAGA for Forge Croft allotments.

This is a varied role, and requires someone who has good attention to detail, is organised and able to multi-task. They will need to be able to use the suite of Microsoft applications.

We offer on the job training, as well as access to a range of webinars and training as well as the opportunity to gain sector professional qualifications. There is opportunity to develop and gain wider responsibility.

Council salaries are linked to the NJC (Local Government) pay scales, with annual increments (up to the set band scale) and subject to performance review. There is a generous local government pension scheme; and medical scheme for employees after 2-years (April enrolment). This position is offered in the NJC pay band 13-17, starting salary £25,611 (including outer fringe London Weighting Allowance). Annual Leave is 23 days plus two stat days, and bank holidays (rising to 26 days annual leave after 5-years). Local Government sector qualification and experience will be recognised in the the pay scales.

JOB DESCRIPTION – OPEN SPACES & ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

APPLICATION FORM

 coMMUNITY WARDEN

Part-time 22 hours per week (flexible days)

This is an important role for the community providing a professional, knowledgeable link between residents, local agencies, voluntary groups, and the Police to promote community safety and improve the local community environment. The successful applicant will also be part of the Town Council office team working in a supportive role to assist with some of the day to day running of the office helping with residents’ queries.

Part of the Community Warden’s role includes overseeing the Speedwatch, working with volunteers and Kent Police, as well as collating data from speed indicator device and working on speed awareness campaigns. Other activities include working with a number of volunteer groups such as the litter pickers and Games Club, fostering good relationships and promoting community cohesion.

The successful applicant will need to be able to work independently, be proactive and use their initiative, but with good team communications. They will need to be a self-starter, organised and care about people and the community of Edenbridge.

Council salaries are linked to the NJC pay scales, with annual increments (up to the set band scale) and subject to performance review. There is a generous local government pension scheme; and medical scheme for employees after 2-years (April enrolment). This position is offered in the NJC pay band 7-12, starting salary £23,032 FTE/ part time pro-rata £13,694 pa (including outer fringe London Weighting Allowance. Training will be provided on the job as well as access to webinar based training and relevant external training. Uniform provided. Annual Leave is 23 days plus two stat days and bank holidays pro-rata to part time hours (rising to 26 days annual leave after 5-years, pro-rata).

JOB DESCRIPTION – COMMUNITY WARDEN

APPLICATION FORM

Application forms must be completed.
Deadline for Open Spaces Officer; and the Community Warden applications is Monday 25th September, 12.00 pm. 

To discuss any of the positions, please contact the Town Clerk on 01732 865368 or email townclerk@edenbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk

 Newington and Peene Parish Council 

Appointment of Parish Clerk - (Salary £12.50 - £13.95 per hour). This is a part-time role.

Newington Parish Council is seeking to appoint a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for the Parish Council with immediate effect. The hours to be worked will average 4 hours per week plus evening meetings when appropriate. The Parish Council meets on the 2nd Monday of every other month (6 meetings per year).

The Clerk will have responsibility for ensuring that the instructions of the Parish Council are carried out and will work actively with the elected Councillors accordingly.

The Parish Council is looking for someone who is highly organised, a self-starter and a good communicator able to build and maintain excellent working relationships.

Candidates should also have a good standard of education and a working knowledge of GDPR, and good IT skills (internet, emails, word processing and spreadsheets), all of which are considered essential for maintaining accurate financial records. Although previous experience is helpful, it is not mandatory and with the right transferrable skills an applicant without experience can undergo training and grow into that role. If not already qualified, the successful applicant would be expected to undertake training to pass the Certificate of Local Council Administration.

Newington and Peene Parish Council covers a relatively small area, so the successful candidate will be expected to play an active part in promoting the work of the Council, as well as maintaining personal contact with the parish councillors.

Applications should be made by sending a completed application form and a cover letter to Sarah Wright at sarah.wright@newingtonandpeene-pc.gov.uk.

An application form and job description can be obtained from the present Clerk at clerk@newingtonandpeene-pc.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is the 19th of September 2023. 

Goudhurst Parish Council 

The historic Parish of Goudhurst has a vacancy for an Assistant Clerk to the Parish Council, based in Goudhurst.

Hours: Initially the role is for 15 hours per week plus 4 hours a month to attend evening meetings (one or two a month). There is scope to expand the role and take on additional duties for the right candidate.

Salary: SCP 12 to 20 depending on experience (£24,496 to £28,371 FTE)

Reporting to: The Clerk to the Parish Council

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person to fill the role of Assistant Clerk to Goudhurst Parish Council. This is a varied and exciting position suiting an applicant with a desire to learn and develop.

The successful candidate will be expected to assist the Clerk with duties to include: 

§ To arrange, publicise, and attend Council Meetings including preparation of agendas, report writing and preparing minutes for approval.

§ To attend to administrative tasks including receiving and dealing with correspondence.

§ To assist with updating and formatting the Parish Council website and social media channels.

§ To assist with the writing of the Parish e-newsletter and articles for other publications as requested.

§ To coordinate and progress projects, including detailed research, and reporting to the Clerk and the Council.

§ To assist with the organisation of events including applying for road closures and drafting risk assessments for approval by the Clerk.

A high degree of computer literacy and excellent communication skills are essential. Local Government experience is desirable but not essential as full support and training in all aspects of the job will be offered. The successful candidate will be expected to work towards achieving the Introduction to Local Council Administration (ILCA) qualification.

A job description and person specification can be found on our website: goudhurst-pc.gov.uk/recruitment-assistant-clerk. To learn more about the role please email recruitment@goudhurst-pc.gov.uk.

To apply, please send a cv and covering letter to reach the Clerk, Mrs Claire Reed, at clerk@goudhurst-pc.gov.uk by the closing date of 5.00pm Monday 18th September 2023. 

 Lydden Parish Council 

Vacancy for Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Lydden Parish Council is currently looking to recruit a Parish Clerk with immediate effect. This will be an interesting and challenging role for someone with enthusiasm who already has had experience in Local Government or looking to develop current applicable skills.

The role will be 7.5 hours per week, working from home and in attendance at meetings.

Main Responsibilities

Prepare for, and manage, all administration required for Parish Council meetings, including any Committee meetings and Annual Meetings of the Parish, ensuring Council members have the necessary information to make informed decisions when necessary, including required financial information and monitoring.

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with the local community, businesses, District and County Councils and other local organisations encourage local development and identify common aims and funding opportunities.

Respond to enquiries received by the Council, ensuring the response is timely and in line with specific instruction as appropriate.

The Person

Previous experience is preferred. The successful candidate will- 

· Be prepared to consider training and pass the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA, if not already obtained. 

· Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Be flexible to attend evening meetings as required. 

· Have the ability to work independently and efficiently to meet required deadlines

· Have an excellent eye for detail; and demonstrate the ability to positively represent the Council at community and social events.

· Good IT skills (internet, emails, Word processing. Spreadsheets, presentations and social media.

· Demonstrate interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive internal and external working relationships.

· Demonstrate personal organisation skills and be adaptable to both the Council and the local community.

Salary will be in accordance with SCP 21, pro rata, depending on experience and/or qualifications with an annual review on an annual basis in line with performance review.

Applications should be made by sending a CV and a covering letter to the Chair of the Parish Council, Ryan Booth on r.booth@lydden-pc.gov.uk. 

  Ashford Area Committee

Ashford Area Committee are looking for an Area Committee Secretary to:

1. Take & produce draft Minutes of Area Committee meetings. Pass these to the Chairman for comments and then circulate a final version by e-mail to members of the Committee and member Councils.

2. Produce Draft Agendas of meetings of the Committee (with input from the Chairman). Circulate the final agreed Agenda by e-mail to members of the Committee and member Councils. 

3. Maintain the address list of members of the Committee and of councils in KALC membership.

4. Make practical arrangements for meetings (dates, meeting room bookings etc) and arrange for the attendance of speakers at meetings. 

5. Work with the Chairman to ensure smooth communications with the membership as required, for example, but not limited to, communication from external parties to be circulated to member councils, and ad hoc other requirements between meetings. 

6. For the above, the Secretary receives an emolument fee on completion of the meeting minutes, which will be reviewed regularly by the KALC Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and the Executive Committee.

For further information and to apply, please contact Paula Cowperthwaite, Area Committee Secretary: Email: secretarykalcashford@gmail.com