Clerk (Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer)

Society of Local Council Clerks; Southwell CP; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Southwell seeks an experienced Clerk to ensure lawful council operations. This permanent role involves directing an 8-person team, managing a budget of about £400,000, and liaising with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership, project management skills, and be adept with Office365. The position offers a competitive salary (pro rata £43-£46,000 pa), training support, and excellent benefits including holiday allocation and pension contributions.

Benefits

Excellent holiday allocation

Pension contributions

Support with training

Qualifications

• Experience in local government organization or charitable bodies desired.
• Ability to manage a budget of approximately £400,000.
• Willingness to introduce new technologies and working practices.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the council conducts its business lawfully.
• Direct and motivate a team of 8 staff.
• Liaise with stakeholders including residents and community groups.
• Oversee financial records and manage council budget.
• Identify opportunities for external funding.

Skills

Strong leadership skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Technology literacy

Education

Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)

Tools

Office365

Job description

Salary: NJC levels LC3 scale 33-36 pro rata (±£43-£46,000 pa), plus support with training, excellent holiday allocation and pension contributions

Southwell has a population of circa 8,000 and is home to a vibrant retail centre, many tourist attractions, a sought-after secondary school and is the home of Brackenhurst Campus which forms part of Nottingham Trent University.

Southwell Town Council is looking for an experienced individual to take on the permanent, role of Clerk (Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer) to ensure the council conducts its business lawfully.

The successful candidate will work with elected members and be responsible for ensuring the instructions of the Council are carried out in line with agreed policies. They will direct and motivate a team of 8 staff to succeed in their roles; and liaise positively with a range of stakeholders, including residents, community groups, businesses, suppliers and local authorises.

The role includes overseeing the financial records of the council and managing a total budget of approximately £400,000. And to identify opportunities for external funding and other opportunities to develop activities and events for the residents of the town, and to assist and prepare bids/applications.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to think strategically, manage large projects and be technology literate. They will look to continuously improve the working practices of the council.

A Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), experience of local government organisation or charitable bodies would be desirable. You should be proficient in Office365 and be willing to introduce new technologies and working practices to the office where needed.

If you are an organised, measured, thorough, community-minded, can-do person, with excellent communication skills and a strong moral compass, we would love to hear from you.

Hours: up to 37 hours – largely office based and with flexibility, to enable cover for some evening meetings.

Salary: NJC levels LC3 scale 33-36 pro rata (±£43-£46,000 pa), plus support with training, excellent holiday allocation and pension contributions.

Application form and details are available from Southwell Town Council, the Old Courthouse, The Burgage, Southwell, NG25 0EP.

Closing date: 12 January 2026. Interviews to be held w/c 19 January 2026.

Southwell Town Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes application for all sections of the community.