Vacancy: Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer

Folkingham Parish Council is seeking an organised, confident and proactive person to become its Clerk, Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer.

Salary and contract

Pay: NJC SCP 20, currently £17.45 per hour

Hours: 312 hours per year

Location: Home-based, with attendance in Folkingham

Contract: Permanent, with a six-month probationary period

Preferred start date: As soon as possible, by agreement

About the role

This is an important and varied role supporting a small parish of approximately 800 electors. The postholder will be the Council’s Proper Officer, principal adviser and Responsible Financial Officer, helping the Council operate lawfully, transparently and effectively.

The role is primarily home-based and includes attendance at six scheduled evening Council meetings each year. Attendance at additional meetings and occasional visits to Council sites may also be required.

The post is contracted for 312 hours per year, worked flexibly according to the Council’s needs. The normal working pattern is expected to be approximately four to six hours per week, with additional hours worked during busier periods, particularly around Council meetings, budget preparation and the annual audit.

The Clerk will work with the Chair and councillors to administer the Council’s business and provide impartial advice on governance, procedure and legal responsibilities.

Key duties include:

• Preparing agendas and meeting papers, attending meetings and producing accurate minutes.

• Implementing Council decisions and maintaining an effective action record.

• Advising the Council on its statutory duties, powers, policies and procedures.

• Managing accounting records, bank reconciliations, payment schedules and financial reports.

• Supporting the preparation of the annual budget and parish precept.

• Administering payroll, HMRC, pension and VAT requirements, where applicable.

• Coordinating the Annual Governance and Accountability Return and the internal and external audit processes.

• Maintaining the Council’s website, noticeboard, public records and statutory publications.

• Acting as the main point of contact for residents, contractors and external organisations.

• Administering planning consultations, allotments, contracts and Council assets.

• Supporting the management of the playing field, pavilion, play area, open spaces, grass cutting, street furniture, street lighting, CCTV and defibrillators.

About you

The successful applicant will be highly organised, numerate and confident using IT, with excellent written communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to work independently.

You should be able to maintain accurate financial and administrative records, produce clear agendas and minutes, manage competing priorities and provide impartial advice to councillors.

Previous experience in local government, public administration, finance or bookkeeping would be an advantage. The Certificate in Local Council Administration, or a willingness to undertake relevant training and work towards the qualification, is also desirable.

How to apply

Please send your current CV and a brief covering letter explaining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role to:

Amie Fenech, Locum Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Email: folkinghamclerk@gmail.com

Closing date: Monday 19 October 2026

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 26 October 2026

For an informal conversation about the role or to request further information, please contact Amie Fenech using the email address above.

Folkingham Parish Council welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The Council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable applicant is found.