Horton Parish Council seeks to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic person as Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). Strong administrative skills, aptitude for careful financial management and ability to maintain policies and procedures according to legal requirements are essential.

The appointment is for an average of 6 hours per week (home-working) in addition to bi-monthly in-person meetings (starting at 6.30pm, the second Thursday of the month).

A laptop and printer are provided, together with a set annual heating & light allowance for home working. Any required travel or disbursements will be reimbursed. The Clerk’s role includes managing the Council’s email correspondence, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, posting required notices, producing all the information required for Councillors to make effective decisions, and acting upon the decisions of Councillors whilst guiding them on legal and procedural requirements.

As Responsible Financial Officer, the post holder is responsible for tasks such as administering and recording the Parish Council’s finances, obtaining quotes, maintaining insurance, assisting with preparing the annual budget, and preparation of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).

Excellent literacy, numeracy, book-keeping, communication and IT skills required, as is the ability to self-manage your own time. The ideal candidate will be efficient but also a responsive person, able to work well with our friendly team of local Councillors and the community. The Clerk is the Council's adviser on all aspects of its role, which requires sound judgement and discretion.

Previous experience is not essential. Training courses will be paid for and are provided by Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC). Applicants without existing Local Government Clerk training will be required to complete the Essential Clerk training (approximately 9 hrs + travel). A full handover with ongoing support will be given by the current Clerk.

The salary is based upon the NJC Salary Scale Point Range currently 13-17 (£14.60-15.58 per hour), the latter subject to experience and qualifications.

For further details, enquiries or for an informal chat, please contact the Clerk, Charlotte Duff, either by email or phone. hortanparishclerk@gmail.com or 07773307901.

To apply for the role, please apply via email with your full CV and covering letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the role and send it to hortanparishclerk@gmail.com.

The closing date for applications is the 8th of June 2025.