Witley & Milford Parish Council - Vacancy for Parish Clerk

Name of recruiting organisation

Witley & Milford Parish Council

Employed role/Volunteer role

Employed role

Permanent role/Fixed term role

Permanent role.

Location:

Council Office is based at Milford Village Hall, Portsmouth Road, Milford, Surrey, GU8 5DS

Salary:

SCP34 (£45,091 FTE)

Hours:

30 – 37 hours per week, attendance at evening meetings required.

Our council and the role:

Witley & Milford Parish Council is dedicated to playing a key role in the future growth of the community and is seeking a forward-thinking Clerk to build on the success of what has been achieved over the last few years.

We are seeking somebody who shares our values of community service, to lead our dedicated staff team and to work actively with elected members. In return we offer a competitive salary and LGPS pension.

We invite applicants who have a demonstrable track record in leadership, are community focussed, and possess sound managerial, communication and organisational skills. This role will require strategic thinking, adaptability and readiness to evolve as the local government landscape develops. We are seeking somebody who will proactively prepare for emerging challenges and opportunities whilst safeguarding the Council’s strong governance and financial stewardship.

The Clerk leads a small, professional team which manages a wide range of facilities including playgrounds, recreation and sports facilities, open spaces, allotments and a cemetery and churchyard.

Duties will include:

To ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the running of the Council are observed by Staff and Councillors.
To ensure that the Council's obligations for Risk Assessment are properly met.
To prepare, in consultation with appropriate members, agendas for meetings of the Council and Committees. To attend such meetings and prepare minutes for approval, other than where such duties have been delegated to another Officer.
To attend all meetings of the Council and all meetings of its committees and sub-committees, other than where such duties have been delegated to another Officer.
To receive correspondence and documents on behalf of the Council and to deal with the correspondence or documents or bring such items to the attention of the Council. To issue correspondence as a result of instructions of, or the known policy of the Council.
To study reports and other data on activities of the Council and on matters bearing on those activities. Where appropriate, to discuss such matters with administrators and specialists in particular fields and to produce reports for circulation and discussion by the Council.
To draw up, both on their own initiative and as a result of suggestions by Councillors, proposals for consideration by the Council and to advise on practicability and likely effects of specific courses of action.
To manage any other members of staff as their line manager in keeping with the policies of the Council and to undertake all necessary activities in connection with the management of salaries, conditions of employment and work of other staff. To ensure staff carry out their duties in an effective way and to undertake annual appraisals.
To monitor the implemented policies of the Council to ensure they are achieving the desired result and where appropriate to suggest modifications.
To manage the Council’s website.
To lead on the production of the Council’s biannual newsletter and annual Community Directory.
To act as the representative of the Council as required.
To liaise and build strong relationships with local area councillors, Government organisations, statutory and voluntary agencies and the local press. Seek to promote the work of the Council through such communications.
To issue notices and prepare agendas and minutes for the Parish Meeting: to attend the assemblies of the Parish Meeting and to implement the decisions made at the assemblies that are agreed by the Council.
To prepare, in consultation with the Chairman, press releases about the activities or decisions of the Council.
To attend training courses or seminars on the work and role of the Clerk as required by the Council.
To continue to acquire the necessary professional knowledge required for the efficient management of the affairs of the Council.
To tender, manage, monitor and review all the Council’s contracts.
To work towards the achievement of the status of Qualified Clerk as a minimum requirement for effectiveness in the position of Clerk.

The ideal candidate will have/be:

Competency	Essential	Desirable
Education, professional qualifications and training	Certificate in Local Council Administration. Educated to A Level or equivalent. Pass in English/Maths to a minimum of GCSE level or equivalent Degree level or equivalent alternative experience. Appropriate management, administration or professional qualification. Health and Safety qualifications.
Skills and knowledge	Ability to provide leadership and to motivate and manage staff. Ability to prioritise work, set targets, achieve positive outcomes and delegate effectively. Policy analysis skills and the ability to address and resolve complex issues. Ability to gain and retain the confidence of Councillors, local Community representatives, and outside organisations. Ability to encourage collaborative working between councillors and other stakeholders. High level of literacy and numeracy. Excellent organisational and prioritising skills. Ability to communicate effectively, orally, in writing and electronically. Ability to communicate well with all sectors of the community with diplomacy and in the best interests of the Council.	Local knowledge of the Parish. A good understanding of Local Government structure, functions, responsibilities and procedures. Demonstrable understanding of the legal requirements affecting local councils. Knowledge of current employment legislation. Knowledge of computer accounting software.
Experience	Administration Experience. Practical experience of servicing committees and report writing. Experience of land management. Good working knowledge of IT systems and Microsoft Office.	Previous experience as a parish clerk. Experience of working in a political environment. Experience of managing and setting a significant budget, understanding of budget control, and of financial analysis and process. Experience of internal and external audit processes. Experience of contract management. Experience and understanding of burials, allotment and planning legislation. Experience of bidding for external funds. Practical experience in updating websites and social media.

What we offer you in return:

Competitive salary, LGPS pension, flexible working.

How to find out more details:

A recruitment pack and job application form can be downloaded below. For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Sarah Nash on 01483 422044 or email clerk@witley-pc.gov.uk

Recruitment Pack

Application Form

Closing date:

12pm on Friday 17th October 2025

How to apply:

Please complete the application form.