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- Tasks: Support the Parish Council by preparing agendas, taking minutes, and managing communications.
- Company: Morland Parish Council, serving a vibrant rural community.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based work, training opportunities, and competitive pay.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Sound IT skills; previous experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for career progression and support for qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 15 £ per hour.
Morland Parish Council are looking for a confident and reliable person to support their work for the parish and its 375 residents. Morland is a rural village in the centre of the Eden valley, seven miles south east of Penrith, with an historic church, busy village hall, well-regarded primary school and an active community. Local businesses include a popular café and a pub which is due to reopen shortly. The Parish Council manages various areas of land in the parish, including a children’s play area and an allotment field.
Responsibilities
- Preparing agendas
- Taking minutes of meetings
- Implementing decisions where required
- Dealing with correspondence and keeping parish councillors informed in between meetings as necessary
- Undertaking communications activities (such as advertising and managing the Parish Council’s website and Facebook page)
The Clerk is also the Responsible Financial Officer, which requires maintaining financial records, budgeting, and arranging deposits and payments through the Parish Council’s bank accounts.
Qualifications and skills
The successful candidate will need sound IT skills, ideally with a knowledge of spreadsheets. While previous experience in a similar role would be beneficial, a full training programme will be provided as necessary. The Parish Council will support the successful candidate to obtain the Certificate in Local Council Administration qualification should that be required.
Contract, hours and location
The role is home based, working for an average of 16 hours a month, generally four hours a week. Most of the work is flexible hours except for attendance at Parish Council meetings, which are on the evening of the second Monday every other month (January, March, May – AGM, July, September, November).
Salary and progression
Starting salary will be according to experience and in line with the National Association of Local Councils guidelines. Using the evaluation tools available, this role has been assessed as level LC1 (substantive range). The pay scale will therefore be at SCP7-12, depending upon experience (currently £13.69 to £14.82 per hour, pay award pending).
How to apply
Full details (job description and person specification) are on the Parish Council website. If you would like an informal chat, please contact Cllr Paul Vines at paul.vines@gmail.com to arrange a time. Applications should be made in writing through a covering letter and CV and sent to paul.vines@gmail.com by Wednesday 18 February. Interviews are scheduled for 24 February and 3 March.
Please note, this role is being advertised on behalf of Morland Parish Council and is not a Westmorland and Furness Council role.
Morland Parish Council - Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer employer: The Cumbria County Council
Contact Detail:
The Cumbria County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Morland Parish Council - Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Since Morland is a tight-knit village, understanding its residents and their needs can really set you apart. Attend local events or visit the café to chat with folks and get a feel for what matters most to them.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your IT skills! The role requires sound IT knowledge, especially with spreadsheets. If you're not quite there yet, consider taking a quick online course to boost your confidence before the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by familiarising yourself with the Parish Council's recent activities and decisions. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. And if you have any questions, reach out to Cllr Paul Vines for an informal chat – it could give you an edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Morland Parish Council - Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter: When writing your covering letter, make it personal! Share why you're interested in the Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer role at Morland Parish Council. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect the qualifications and skills outlined in the job description. Emphasise your IT skills, especially if you have experience with spreadsheets. Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in a similar role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves dealing with correspondence and managing communications, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in both your letter and CV. Use clear and concise language, and maybe even include examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Make sure to send your covering letter and CV to the provided email address by the deadline. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join the Morland community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer. Familiarise yourself with tasks like preparing agendas, taking minutes, and managing financial records. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since sound IT skills are essential for this position, be prepared to discuss your experience with spreadsheets and any relevant software. If you have examples of how you've used technology to improve efficiency or communication in previous roles, share those during the interview.
✨Engage with the Community
Morland Parish Council values community engagement, so it’s a good idea to show your understanding of the local area and its residents. Mention any ideas you have for improving communications or activities within the parish, such as enhancing the website or social media presence.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the council's current projects or future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
