Clerk and RFO in Cambridge

An opportunity to become Clerk and RFO for a growing village with a strong sense of community and at a particularly exciting time. We are seeking to appoint an experienced and, ideally, at least part-CiLCA qualified Clerk. Experience of working as a Town Clerk would be advantageous and will consider candidates who have outstanding experience of administration, clerking, and finance in a different environment, but will expect you to undertake CiLCA training.

Barrington is a beautiful village 8 miles south west of Cambridge. It currently has approximately 2000 residents (and growing), has a strong community feel and is well serviced with a school, pub, post office and shop. The councillors are a group of friendly, enthusiastic people who bring a range of perspectives from across the village and are very well-supported by volunteers.

The Role

This is a combined Clerk and RFO role, with all the usual wide range of responsibilities that these posts entail. Additionally, you will be involved in a number of exciting projects. Our focus for the last three years has been on the delivery of a s106 Agreement to rebuild our Sports Pavilion, create Tennis Courts and a new Football field, Traffic Calming measures and substantial refurbishment or rebuild of the Village Hall. The money is coming from the s106 in order to mitigate the impact of a housing development of 260 houses on the old Cement works. We have also obtained a Public Works Loan to supplement funds allocated to the Sports Pavilion which is now under construction. You, as our Clerk/RFO will be involved in the ongoing development of the various projects above and the day to day work of the Parish Council.

We have an ancient Woodland, one of the longest village Greens in England, two ponds, play areas, and a BMX Trail and large Open Space and Lake on the new development. We are looking for someone who is well organised, self-motivated and enthusiastic, proficient with IT, enjoys learning new IT skills. A sense of humour is essential. Other than council and committee/Working Groups and s106 meetings (usually twice-monthly), you will mostly work from home. Flexible working hours, working from home to carry out most of your duties. We are happy for you to work around your other commitments, provided the council’s needs are met. Depending on where you live, the role optionally may include tasks carried out in the village, for example inspecting play equipment and defibrillators, and organising/supervising small maintenance tasks.

Around 30 hours per week, with the opportunity for additional hours on approved project tasks. Salary on NJC pay scales 27-34 (£35,745-£42,403 FTE, based on 37 hours per week). 23 days holiday per year (rising to 25) plus statutory holidays, all pro rata with hours worked. Professional ongoing training paid for by the Council with the expectation that, if not already the case, you will become fully CiLCA qualified. The support of Parish Councillors and a network of other Parish Clerks in the local area. The opportunity to use and improve a range of highly transferable skills, work with new people and apply your knowledge and experience to benefit our local community. A friendly environment that supports ongoing personal and professional development. You will work closely with the Chair and Vice Chair / Head of Finance.

We would like to appoint someone who:

• Ideally has at least 3 years’ experience as a Town clerk/RFO or in a similar role.
• Has completed CiLCA and/or has started CiLCA training.
• Has excellent administrative skills, with experience of taking minutes, financial administration, and electronic and paper-based organisation of information and paperwork.
• Has experience of managing Council and s106 finances and processes.
• Is able to attend and take minutes at the monthly evening meetings of the Council on 2nd Thursday of the month, and other evening meetings from time to time.
• Is eager to learn new skills and improve our processes and policies.
• Has the ability to work independently and manage a diverse range of activities.
• Has good interpersonal, financial and communication skills and is keen to engage with members of the public, councillors, our stakeholders, contractors, and public and private sector organisations.
• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Word and Excel, and either already proficient in or willing to learn Scribe (accounts), SharePoint (electronic filing system for council documentation), and oversee and update the council Website.
• Good at analysing problems and researching for solutions.

If you are interested in this exciting role and wish to join our team, then please email your CV together with a letter of application to parishclerk@barringtonparishcouncil.co.uk. If you have further questions or would like to discuss the role before applying, then please send an email to the Chair Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp or Vice Chair John Walker via the Parish Clerk with your phone number and one of us will call you.

Barrington Parish Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.