Vacancy
Parish ClErK

c/o Cllr Ian Firth (Chair), 40 Fairfield Green, Churchinford
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0781 321 4535 

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Following the retirement of our long-serving Clerk, Churchstanton Parish Council is seeking a motivated and community-minded individual to take on the role of Parish Clerk / Proper Officer / Responsible Financial Officer.

Based at the heart of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, this is a flexible, part-time position, ideally suited to someone with a background in administration and / or finance.  We welcome applications from individuals with a desire to support our fantastic rural community, who are interested in local affairs and the workings of Local Government.

This role may particularly suit someone with experience in a similar position, or who is currently working with another Parish Council and seeking to extend their involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Proper Officer to the Parish Council, ensuring that its business is conducted lawfully and efficiently.
• Serve as the Council’s Responsible Financial Officer, maintaining accurate financial records, managing budgets, and preparing regular reports.
• Prepare meeting agendas in consultation with councillors, and circulate them in line with statutory requirements.
• Attend all Parish Council meetings (usually held at 7:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month) and produce accurate minutes and associated documentation.
• Draft reports and offer advice to councillors on policies and proposed actions.
• Manage correspondence, liaise with parishioners and external bodies, and respond to queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Support project delivery on behalf of the Council, undertaking administrative tasks and facilitating outcomes as required.
• Assist in organising parish events and activities, as delegated by the Council.
• Act as the first point of contact for the Council and maintain effective communication with parishioners via the Council website, noticeboards and other means.

Person Specification
We are looking for someone who (ideally):

• Holds a relevant qualification in administration, finance, or local government, or is willing to work towards one.
• Has administrative experience, ideally including financial record-keeping.
• Is familiar with the workings of parish or town councils (preferred but not essential).
• Is highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office (especially Outlook, Excel and Word) and comfortable with managing websites and social media.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally.
• Has a friendly and approachable manner and enjoys engaging with members of the public.
• Is legally entitled to hold public office.

Desirable:

• Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
• Previous experience as a Parish Clerk or RFO, ideally in a rural setting
• Familiarity with ‘Scribe Accounts’ software

Terms

• Hours: 5+ hours per week (min), with flexible working arrangements and scope to extend as needed
• Location: Hybrid – primarily home-based, with attendance required at meetings and to post notices in Churchinford and Stapley (own transport essential)
• Pay: In line with NJC salary scales – currently £15.21 to £16.67 per hour (TBC), depending on qualifications and experience (With anticipated minimum hours equating to c. £3,650 p.a.)
• Meetings: Monthly (2nd Wednesday, 7:30pm) at Churchinford Village Hall
• Start date: ASAP - Early Summer 2025

To Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]

Vacancy
for the co-option of one Parish Councillor

Parish Clerk: c/o Cllr Ian Firth (Chair), 40 Fairfield Green, Churchinford
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01823 299788 / Mob: 0781 321 4535 

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Would you like to join the Parish Council and help make decisions about how our Parish is run?

​Due to a casual vacancy that has arisen, the Parish Council currently has one Councillor vacancy for co-option.

The Parish Council is the first tier of Local Government representing our local community, delivering services to meet local needs and improving quality of life and community well-being for the benefit of all. We also have links with Somerset Council. If you are interested and want to find out more, speak to one of our Councillors, contact the Clerk, or come along to our next Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 11th June 2025 in Churchinford Village Hall at 6pm

No experience is necessary, and training is available.

You can also read about what our Parish Councillors might be expected to do in the Good Councillors Guide.

If you would like to join us, you should contact the Parish Clerk at the above address (either by post or email) for an application form.

Completed application forms must be received by the Parish Clerk no later than mid-day on Wednesday 9th July 2025.

All applications received will then be considered, at the Parish Council meeting later the same day when a vote will be taken to co-opt the new Parish Councillor.  To qualify, a person must be a British subject, over 18 years old and an elector; must reside within Churchstanton Parish or within three miles of it or occupy as owner or tenant any land or premises therein or have their principal or only place of work there and must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor.

Need to report a problem?

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