and anything else reasonably requested by the council

 

What kind of person is likely to enjoy being a clerk to a parish council?

Being a Clerk is an enormously rewarding job, and not always easy. But it will suit those with strong administrative skills, an ability to manage budgets and who have effective management and problem-solving abilities. Individuals who demand high standards from themselves and from others; who enjoy meeting and working with people to bring about change that will improve the lives of resident. Clerks may come as newly qualified graduates with a degree in local government, or from positions elsewhere in local or national government or from the service sector in private industry. All are equally likely to be successful, including those who have taken a career break or are through redundancy are having to look afresh at what they have to offer. It’s the person who counts.

 A successful clerk is likely to be:

 

• Confident in writing letters, reports, agendas and minutes that are well-structured and easy to read
• Comfortable  with numbers and understands the need for and controlling budgets
• Know their way round Microsoft Office and enjoy using I.T. to support their work
• Inquisitive, constantly seeking new knowledge and up for something new
• Personally well-organised, able to prioritise their work, able to delegate and wants and encourages, by example, others to follow
• Likes people, but is able to be assertive and firm when the occasion demands
• Has a positive outlook on life, calm in a crisis and with personal ethics above reproach
• Understand that success is not always about getting one’s own way, but achieving the objectives set by the council elected to represent the views and aspirations of residents