At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day operations and advise on legal and planning matters for the Parish Council.
- Company: Lockwood Parish Council, a community-focused local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and paid training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, management, and strong IT and communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 28000 £ per year.
Lockwood Parish is looking to appoint a new Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer upon the retirement of the current Clerk. Lockwood Parish Council is a rural Parish encompassing the villages and hamlets of Aysdalegate, Boosbeck, Charltons, Gerrick, Kilton, Kilton Thorpe, Lingdale, Margrove Park, Moorsholm, Slapewath and Stanghow. It is based in Lingdale.
Responsibilities
- The Clerk is responsible for advising Council members on statutory, legal and planning matters and implementing the decisions of the Council.
- The Clerk manages the day-to-day business of the Parish Council, including managing the Council employees and assets.
- As Responsible Finance Officer, the Clerk will prepare and maintain the accounts and other financial records of the Council (including VAT) and its assets in compliance with all statutory, Internal and External Audit requirements.
Qualifications and experience
- Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced professionals who can work independently and flexibly with a strong community focus.
- The successful applicant will have a working knowledge of managing finance, managing people and planning and legal matters.
- The Clerk will have strong IT, communication and organisational skills.
- This role would suit those who have previously worked in the public sector, education finance and governance, planning management or legal sectors.
- Ideally, the successful applicant will be Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA) qualified or be prepared to work towards obtaining the Certificate.
- Experience of grant application and fund raising is also an advantage.
Terms, hours and salary
- Lockwood Parish Council is a local authority and offers favourable employee and pension terms and conditions.
- The working hours for the post are 9:00am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday with an additional 2 hours paid for each monthly evening meeting.
- Salary SCP 17 £31,022 rising to SCP 22 £33,699 pro rata.
- All appropriate training is paid for by the Council.
How to apply
An application form can be obtained by telephone from the Clerk of the Parish Council on 01287659908 or by emailing clerk@lockwood-pc.gov.uk.
Closing date
Closing date for application is 27th February 2026 at 12.00pm, Interview week of the 9th of March and Start date after the 13th of April.
Clerk to the Parish Council employer: Lockwood Parish Council
Contact Detail:
Lockwood Parish Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk to the Parish Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to local community groups or councils and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the Clerk position at Lockwood Parish!
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your local knowledge! Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and issues of the villages in Lockwood Parish. This will help you stand out during interviews by showing your commitment to the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Clerk role, especially in finance and legal matters. Practise answering common questions and be ready to discuss your qualifications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk to the Parish Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what the Clerk role involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This will help us tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills in finance, management, and communication. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar tasks. We want to see how you can bring value to Lockwood Parish Council!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a bonus for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lockwood Parish Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the responsibilities of a Clerk and the specific duties outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with local governance, financial management, and planning matters so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with what they need.
✨Show Your Community Spirit
Since this role has a strong community focus, be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with local communities in the past. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to serving the public and improving community relations.
✨Prepare for Financial Questions
As the Responsible Finance Officer, you'll need to manage accounts and financial records. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, VAT, and compliance with audit requirements. They might ask you to explain how you would handle specific financial scenarios.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about the Council's current projects, challenges they face, or how they envision the Clerk's role evolving in the future.