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22 Feb, 2025
Timothy

Alpheton Parish Council

Applications are invited for the following post:-

PARISH CLERK and RFO (Responsible Financial Officer) Part-time

The Parish of Alpheton is located just north of Long Melford, on the A134. It is comprised of the village of Alpheton and the hamlet of Bridge Street. It consists of just over 100 households (with around 300 residents) and its annual precept was in the region of £8,500 in 2024-25. The Parish Council currently consists of 7 Councillors

We are looking for a friendly, efficient person to join the team in the role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). The role is due to start from July 1 2025 but may be earlier to suit the right candidate.

The hours are flexible but amount to an average of 6 hours per week, working from home.  This includes evening meetings, usually 6 times a year, at the village hall. These are normally held in Jan, April, July, Oct and Dec with the Annual Parish Council Meeting and Residents Annual Meeting in May.

The salary is currently £13.91 per hour in accordance with the NJC salary point SCP10, £26,835 per annum, pro rata.

The Annual Leave allowance is 21 working days pro rata, with normal Bank and public holidays, in addition.

Duties include:

  • Being the Proper Officer responsible for ensuring the Council is acting within current regulations
  •  Guiding councillors on legislation and compliance matters
  • Writing and publishing Parish Council meeting agendas, in consultation with the Chairman
  • Regular attendance at the bi-monthly Parish Council meetings
  • Minute taking at the meetings and publication of said minutes in a timely manner
  • Liaising with partners such as District and County Councillors, Suffolk Highways and other contractors, as necessary
  • Data Protection awareness, maintaining confidentiality of information in an objective and professional manner.
  • Ensuring Planning Applications are considered and responses are submitted to Babergh District Council by return deadlines
  • Responding to emails and correspondence, placing orders for services agreed by the Parish Council
  • Working with a volunteer Councillor to ensure the updating the Parish Council website 
  • Reviewing policies, contracts and insurances
  • As the Responsible Financial Officer, keeping accurate financial records, budget setting and monitoring the payment of invoices, maintaining bank account. This also includes keeping all accounts in order, making regular bank reconciliations, completing VAT claims, preparing the council’s budget, year end accounts and audit paperwork.
  • Any other duties assigned by the Council

Candidates need to be able to demonstrate very good communication and numeracy skills, an ability to work independently and have competent IT skills including a knowledge of Word and Excel. Internet access is essential and Parish Council laptop will be supplied. Training will be available from SALC (Suffolk Association of Local Councils)

If you are interested in joining this team, please apply with a CV and covering letter providing evidence of relevant skills and experience to the present Clerk email: alphetonpcclerk@gmail.com.

All applications to be returned by 31 March 2025 with interviews to follow during April

Position to start by 1st July 2025

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