Town Clerk & RFO

Society of Local Council Clerks; Margate; On-site; GBP 48,000 - GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A new municipal council in Kent is seeking a proactive Town Clerk & RFO. The role will involve leading the establishment of the new council, working closely with local authorities and councillors to ensure legal compliance and effective service delivery. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in public service and a strong community focus. Responsibilities include setting strategic goals and ensuring proper governance. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, including a relocation package.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Relocation package

Free parking

Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of service achievement and innovation.
• Knowledge of local government law and procedures is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the new Margate Town Council in achieving targets and aspirations.
• Set up the new Council with councillors and legal compliance.
• Prepare a Corporate Plan for the new Council.

Skills

Relevant experience

Community focused

Managerial skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

CiLCA qualification (desirable)

Job description

Overview

Salary: LC3 Substantive / LC3 Above Substantive – SCP 37 – 45 (currently £48,226 - £57,139) (depending on experience and qualifications).

Salary Scale: LC3 Substantive / LC3 Above Substantive – SCP 37 – 45 (currently £48,226 – £57,139) (depending on experience and qualifications).

Plus – Local Government Pension Scheme, Relocation Package and Free Parking.

Role

The soon to be created new Margate Town Council is seeking to appoint an innovative, forward thinking, and proactive Town Clerk & RFO to not just lead the Council in achieving its targets and aspirations but to be a key part of the setting up of the Council initially.

Based in the Town of Margate itself, with a population of around 65,000, it will be one of the largest Town Councils within Kent. It is anticipated that a number of services and facilities will be transferring to the new Town Council upon vesting day on 1st April 2027, with the potential for more to transfer in the future likely.

The Town Clerk & RFO will initially be employed by the current Charter Trustees for Margate and will work with them, as well as officers and councillors at the principal authorities of Thanet DC and Kent CC in setting up this new Town Council and will then move to the new body when it becomes a legal entity on 1st April 2027. The new Town Clerk will then be expected to lead the new Council – working with the new councillors to agree a Corporate Plan, as well as be responsible for ensuring the Council is up to date with policies and complies with all legal requirements associated with a Council within the sector.

Qualifications & Experience

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have relevant experience – a track record of service achievement and innovation, commitment to public service, be motivated, community focused, and possess sound managerial, communication and organisational skills.
• Candidates should have a knowledge of local government law and procedures. A CiLCA qualification is desirable, or a willingness to attain it within a reasonable timeframe.

Attendance & Equality

Attendance at evening meetings and weekend events will be required, for which time off in lieu will be granted. The Charter trustees are, and the new Margate Town Council will, be fully committed to Equality of Opportunity and will actively welcome applications from all sections of the community. A relocation package will be negotiated for the right candidate.

This process is being managed by a third party acting for the Charter Trustees and the new Town Council. For an informal discussion and to access the Recruitment Pack and an application form then please call Mr Reg Williams on 07494 760535.

Please note that the Recruitment Pack contains some very important information regarding the timeline and creation of the new Council and must be read and considered prior to any application being submitted.

• The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12 Noon on Tuesday 24February 2026
• Informal interviews will be held in Margate during the evening of Monday 16March 2026
• Formal interviews will take place in Margate at a location tba on Tuesday 17March 2026
• It is hoped the new Town Clerk & RFO will commence their role around Monday 18 May 2026