At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the new Margate Town Council and set up its operations.
- Company: Exciting opportunity with the soon-to-be-established Margate Town Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, relocation package, and free parking.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a vibrant community and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government, strong communication skills, and community focus.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to equality and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 57139 Β£ per year.
Salary: LC3 Substantive / LC3 Above Substantive β SCP 37 β 45 (currently Β£48,226 - Β£57,139) (depending on experience and qualifications)
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 β 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.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have relevant experience β 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 Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification is desirable, or a willingness to attain it within a reasonable timeframe.
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.
Application timeline:
- The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12 Noon on Tuesday 24 February 2026
- Informal interviews will be held in Margate during the evening of Monday 16 March 2026
- Formal interviews will take place in Margate at a location tba on Tuesday 17 March 2026
- It is hoped the new Town Clerk & RFO will commence their role around Monday 18 May 2026
Town Clerk & RFO in Margate employer: Society of Local Council Clerks
Contact Detail:
Society of Local Council Clerks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Town Clerk & RFO in Margate
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Attend events, engage with residents, and understand their needs. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to public service.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current council members or local government professionals on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insights into the role and might even lead to a recommendation.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the new Margate Town Council's goals and challenges. Being able to discuss how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weβre here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Town Clerk & RFO in Margate
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with what they're looking for, so highlight those relevant skills and experiences in your application.
Show Your Passion for Public Service: This role is all about community focus and public service. Make sure to express your commitment to these values in your application. Share examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles or within your community.
Tailor Your Application: Donβt just send a generic application! We recommend tailoring your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Town Clerk & RFO position. Use keywords from the job description to show that youβre the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs super easy, and youβll have access to all the necessary documents, including the Recruitment Pack, which contains vital information about the role and timeline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Local Council Clerks
β¨Know Your Local Government Law
Brush up on local government law and procedures before your interview. Being well-versed in these areas will show that youβre serious about the role and understand the legal framework within which the new Margate Town Council will operate.
β¨Demonstrate Your Community Focus
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with the community in previous roles. Highlighting your commitment to public service and community involvement will resonate well with the council's values and aspirations.
β¨Showcase Your Managerial Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and how you've successfully led initiatives in the past, as this is crucial for the Town Clerk & RFO position.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the new Town Councilβs goals and challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also demonstrates your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to the council's success.