Parish clerk job description

Morland Parish Council Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Job description

Job purpose

1. To ensure that the Council’s civic and administrative functions and services are performed professionally and in accordance with all relevant statutory obligations.
2. To carry out all the functions required by law of a local authority’s Proper Officer in a timely manner and to issue all statutory notifications.
3. To ensure that the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations arecorrectly observed and implemented.
4. To act as the principal adviser on policy matters, oversee Health and Safety, and promote the Council and its services, buildings, land and resources.
5. To ensure that the instructions of the Council are carried out, to produce the information required for effective decision-making, and to implement Council decisions constructively.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Advise Councillors and ensure statutory and other provisions and notices affecting the running of the Council are observed.
2. Act as principal adviser on all policy issues, review services and activities, and implement improvements as required.
3. Keep up to date with changes in legislation and ensure Council policies and procedures are compliant.
4. Prepare and publish meeting agendas and minutes in consultation with appropriate Members, and maintain attendance records.
5. Clerk all meetings of the Council and its Committees, or delegate as necessary.
6. Manage correspondence and documents on behalf of the Council, and advise on matters needing Council attention.
7. Sign, seal and deliver official documents, and ensure planning obligations are met.
8. Advise on budget preparation, present Management Reports, and ensure completion of statutory audits.
9. Prepare and balance the Council’s budget, manage accounts and invoices, and keep audit records.
10. Prepare and publish the Council’s Annual Report.
11. Study and report on Council activities, consulting with specialists as required.
12. Monitor and review Council policies and suggest modifications as necessary.
13. Manage, maintain and oversee the use of all Council properties and facilities.
14. Represent the Council at meetings of other organisations as required.
15. Organise and attend the Annual Parish Meeting, and implement Council decisions arising from it.
16. Manage and keep updated the Council’s communications activity, including the website, social media pages, noticeboard content and advertising.
17. Develop effective partnerships with other authorities and agencies.
18. Lead development of the Parish Plan and business plan as required.
19. Advise on planning and development matters, including Neighbourhood and Local Plans.
20. Oversee the process for Councillor vacancies and elections, and manage publicity for recruitment.
21. Ensure all financial risk assessments, insurance, and Health and Safety obligations are met.
22. Attend training and seminars relevant to the role of Clerk and Council activities.
23. Work towards or hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) as a minimum qualification.
24. Manage compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

Duties and responsibilities: Responsible Financial Officer

1. Fulfil all statutory duties as Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) under S151 of the Local Government Act 1972.
2. Advise the Council on financial matters and ensure careful administration of finances and compliance with Financial Regulations.
3. Manage and monitor the Council’s finances, and advise on financial planning and policy.
4. Prepare annual budget estimates, capital programme, and precept requirements.
5. Monitor income and expenditure and provide regular financial statements to Council and Committees.
6. Ensure statutory audit requirements are completed and act on recommendations.
7. Issue and manage invoices, payments, and all associated financial records.
8. Administer salaries, expenses, and statutory financial returns accurately and legally.
9. Maintain all necessary records for audit and VAT purposes.
10. Manage financial risk, insurance, and ensure financial security and controls are in place and reviewed.
11. Maintain asset register and equipment inventory.
12. Advise on and assist with grant and sponsorship applications as needed.
13. Ensure surplus funds are securely invested and income is maximised.
14. Ensure compliance with the Bribery Act requirements.

General duties

1. Continue to acquire relevant professional knowledge and attend training as required.
2. Represent the Council at relevant conferences and meetings as necessary.
3. Undertake other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Council from time to time.

Updated January 2026