At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Town Clerk and manage council operations while ensuring civic traditions are upheld.
- Company: Join a proud, historic market town with a strong civic identity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexi-time, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government and a CiLCA qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 58523 - 62852 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent, 37 hours per week (some evenings and weekends)
Salary: LC4 - SCP 46 – 49 per annum (£58,523 - £62,852) (depending on experience and qualifications)
Benefits: Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave allowance (up to 31 days plus bank holidays), flexi-time (within core hours) and support for professional development.
Huntingdon is a proud, historic market town with a strong civic identity, a diverse and growing community, and a deep sense of place. As we enter a period of organisational development and wider local government change, we are seeking an innovative, forward thinking and proactive Deputy Town Clerk to support the Town Clerk and the Council’s operations.
The Deputy Town Clerk will have shared responsibility for ensuring that the instructions of the Council are carried out and will work actively with elected members to help develop existing services. The Deputy Town Clerk will be expected to have a significant role in maintaining the Town Council’s Civic Traditions along with implementing the Corporate Plan and its impact on operations and staffing. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the Council is up to date with policies, training, privacy and data protection compliance.
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 sound knowledge of local government law and procedures. A Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification is required, as a minimum. Attendance at evening meetings and weekend events will be required, for which time off in lieu will be granted.
Purpose of Job
The post holder will be responsible to the Town Clerk and will deputise in their absence, carrying out the statutory and delegated functions of the Council. The post holder will, when necessary, prepare for and administer meetings of the Council, attend meetings of sub committees, record decisions and implement these within a framework agreed by the main committees of the Council, ensuring they are lawful.
Organisational Relationships
The post holder will have line management responsibility. There will be regular contact with The Mayor and Members of the Council, other staff members and local partners/stakeholders.
External Relationships
The post holder will have regular contact with suppliers of the Council, local community groups, representatives and stakeholders, tenants of the Council and members of the general public.
Duties and Responsibilities
- In the absence of the Town Clerk, to carry out any statutory and delegated functions and undertake Head of Service responsibility.
- To provide advice and support to elected Members and Committees of the Council, to ensure that all decisions made by the Council are lawful and are undertaken in accordance with local government legislation.
- To proactively assist with setting the annual Council meetings calendar, along with the creation of agendas, minutes, policies and reports for Council meetings.
- To communicate and promote meetings, activities and events of the Council with elected Members, partners, stakeholders and members of the general public.
- To Line Manage the Corporate, Amenities, Administration, Communications and Democratic Officers, ensuring safe & effective performance and conducting an annual appraisal which will include an analysis of training and development needs.
- To maintain ongoing communication with the Council’s Macebearer, the Mayor’s Chaplain and the Council’s photographer to ensure attendance at all necessary Civic and Community Town Council events.
- To manage and ensure all promotion relating to the business of the Council is updated and maintained in accordance with its policies.
- To assist the Town Clerk with developing and implementing the Council’s Corporate Plan, and to actively promote and support the activities and objectives of the plan and more widely, of the Council.
- To ensure the efficient running of the Town Hall office, reviewing and monitoring systems, processes and procedures and updating where appropriate to ensure best practices are exercised and maintained.
- To review, manage and maintain the Council’s annual training programme, to ensure all staff members are up to date with necessary training and qualifications.
- To assist with the creation of risk assessments and management of Council contracts where necessary.
- To assist the Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) with the preparation and setting of the annual budget for Council’s consideration.
- To effectively manage the income and expenditure of budgets under the Deputy Town Clerk’s responsibility.
- To authorise and process payments when necessary, in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations and Internal Financial Controls.
- To support the Town Clerk in receiving correspondence and documents on behalf of the Council and where necessary, bringing items to the attention of the Council.
- To deal with residents of Huntingdon on a variety of issues in person, by telephone, letter and/or email.
- To attend training courses, conferences and seminars as required by the Council.
- To actively foster and develop relationships with third party organisations of all types, other tiers of local government, neighbouring councils and the voluntary sector to enhance Huntingdon as a positive place to live, work and visit.
- To take responsibility for the proper care, maintenance and security of all council records, whether computerised or manual, to ensure compliance with requirements under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Freedom of Information legislation.
- To assist with and complete grant applications to secure external funding when necessary.
- To manage the Town Council’s archives and ensure all paperwork and records are kept in line with the Council’s Retention Policy.
- To assist the Town Clerk in any other matter relating to the business of the Council as may be determined from time to time.
Deputy Town Clerk & Civic Governance Lead in Huntingdon employer: HUNTINGDON TOWN COUNCIL
As an employer, the Town Council of Huntingdon offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where your leadership can make a tangible impact on the community. With generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, this role not only promises job satisfaction but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to the town's civic identity and growth. Join us in a historic market town that values innovation and community focus, ensuring your career thrives while you serve the public good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Town Clerk & Civic Governance Lead in Huntingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local events, council meetings, or community gatherings to meet key players in the local government scene. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you that Deputy Town Clerk role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your achievements in public service and local governance. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to demonstrate your commitment and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to the Town Clerk or current council members for an informal chat about the role. This shows your enthusiasm and gives you a chance to ask questions that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Town Clerk & Civic Governance Lead in Huntingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Town Clerk. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to support our civic governance and community focus.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s your track record in local government or your commitment to public service, we’re keen to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Huntingdon.
How to prepare for a job interview at HUNTINGDON TOWN COUNCIL
✨Know Your Local Government Law
Brush up on local government law and procedures before your interview. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but also understand the legal framework within which the Council operates.
✨Demonstrate Your Community Focus
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with the community in previous roles. Highlight any innovative projects or initiatives you've led that benefited the public. This will showcase your commitment to public service and your ability to connect with diverse groups.
✨Showcase Your Managerial Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in line management and how you've developed teams in the past. Think of specific instances where you’ve conducted appraisals or identified training needs, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the Deputy Town Clerk.
✨Prepare for Civic Duties Discussion
Since the role involves maintaining civic traditions, think about your understanding of these duties. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach civic events and your vision for promoting them within the community, demonstrating your proactive and innovative mindset.
