At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist local councils with administrative tasks and support community initiatives.
- Company: Community First, a charity dedicated to supporting Wiltshire and Swindon communities.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and optional pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for community service.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in local governance.
The predicted salary is between 6000 - 7000 £ per year.
Salary: £6,993.11 gross per annum plus optional 7% employers pension contribution
Hours of work: 10 hours per week
Contract type: Fixed term (March 31st 2027 with possible extension)
Start date: January 2026
This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Community First direct for further information.
A bit about us: Community First is a registered charity based in Devizes. As a member of Action with Communities in Rural England, we support communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) supports and advises parish, town and city councils in Wiltshire and Swindon as they in turn support the communities in which they serve.
All about the role: To assist the Local County Advisor to enable local councils to act within their legal framework. The post holder will support the Local County Advisor to deliver a comprehensive information and advice service to the Wiltshire Association of Local Councils with the gathering and dissemination of information relating to Parish and Town Councils.
Main Responsibilities:
- To provide assistance in meeting all administrative responsibilities within the post holder's area of work
- To prepare correspondence, reports, agendas and other documentation.
- To take and draft the minutes of Executive Committee meetings, which are generally held in the evening some three or four times a year.
- To support the organisation of conferences, seminars, training and workshops.
- To acknowledge and log incoming enquiries in the absence of the Local Councils' Adviser, providing basic information where appropriate and ensuring timely referral or follow-up.
- To support the compilations of the monthly newsletter to the WALC membership of news, advice and events.
- To carry out other work or contribute to projects which may support the local councils' service.
- To provide cover for the Local Councils' Adviser during periods of annual leave.
Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check.
Find out more and apply: If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Ian Nockolds, Local County Advisor.
To apply for the role, please complete the application form and return to Nicky Theobald by email or by post: Community First, Unit C2 Beacon Business Centre, Hopton Park, Devizes, SN10 2EY
Closing date: 18th November at Midday
Interview dates: 27th November 2025
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW. Applications must be made via the instructions provided above. Applications or CV's submitted via the apply button will not be considered.
Local Councils Assistant - Devizes employer: Wiltshire Council
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Councils Assistant - Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Community First and WALC to understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the work culture. A friendly chat can give you valuable insights and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to local councils and community support. Think about how your skills can contribute to the role and be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Councils Assistant - Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills fit in with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the responsibilities listed. This shows us you're genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say without unnecessary fluff.
Follow Submission Instructions: Make sure you follow the application instructions exactly as stated. Remember, we’re not accepting applications via the apply button, so be sure to send your completed form to the right email or address. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Local Councils
Familiarise yourself with the role of local councils in Wiltshire and Swindon. Understand their legal framework and how they support communities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare for Administrative Tasks
Since the role involves a lot of administrative responsibilities, practice drafting reports, agendas, and minutes. You might even want to bring a sample of your work to the interview to showcase your skills. Being able to discuss your experience with these tasks will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would handle incoming enquiries and provide information. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex information clearly and concisely.
✨Engage with Community Initiatives
Research recent initiatives or events organised by WALC or similar organisations. Bring up these topics during your interview to show your enthusiasm for community engagement. It’ll demonstrate that you’re proactive and invested in the local community’s well-being.