* Thurston Parish Council
* Address: New Green Centre, New Green Avenue, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3TG
* Salary: £48,226 - £52,413 per annum (pro rata), LC3, SCP 37 – 41
* Hours: 25 hours per week. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional weekend events will be required, for which time off in lieu will be granted
* Contract: Permanent, Office based position
* Reference: 0607
Thurston Parish Council is seeking to appoint an exceptional and forward-thinking Parish Clerk and Proper Officer to lead the strategic, operational and statutory functions of our Parish Council.
We are seeking a highly capable individual to lead our team, drive projects, ensure compliance and guide elected members on complex legal and strategic decisions.
Assisting the Parish Clerk in the efficient running of the day-to-day business and fully engaging with residents, businesses and other agencies will be the the Deputy Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.
Your responsibilities
This is a role for someone who wishes to have a role at the heart of local democracy where your strategic thinking, people management skills and public service ethos will directly shape the future of Thurston.
As the first point of contact, you’ll offer a warm welcome and practical advice, all while collaborating with a supportive team that values your input and celebrates your successes.
No two days are the same, and each day brings opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.
As head of the Council’s administration function, you will be responsible for all management and organisation of the councils’ functions and will have full responsibility for strategy, staffing, governance and service delivery.
Your role will be to act as the advisor to the council on matters of policy and law and you will ensure that the decisions of the council are carried out whilst ensuring effective delivery of the council’s outcomes.
What you will need
Ideally you will be able to demonstrate that you have project management qualifications or experience delivering public-facing services, familiarity with local government law, planning systems and Freedom of Information and General Data Protection Regulations.
You must also possess good communication (both written and verbal) and organisational skills and be confident using Microsoft Office.
The ability to plan your own workload, work on your own initiative and take responsibility for getting things done whilst ensuring that you maintain a positive and flexible, team-focused approach will ensure that you are successful in this role.
The Certificate in Local Council Administration is desirable, or you should be willing to commit towards achieving this qualification.
About us
Thurston Parish Council is at the centre of a thriving local community which has a growing population and aspirations to ensure the very best services and facilities are provided for its residents and visitors.
The parish of Thurston is located just off the A14 corridor approximately four miles to the east of Bury St Edmunds.
The parish consists of in excess of 3,100 households and has an annual precept of £297,500 (2026-2027).
The Council is also the beneficiary of Community Infrastructure Levy receipts to be used for infrastructure that is required by the community following significant development in the village of Thurston.
The council has thirteen councillors who also sit on five committees and a total staff team of five.
What we will offer you
o Competitive salary.
o Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
o Up to 23 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid statutory days.
o Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
o Opportunities for professional development and training.
For more information
Please read the Job Description (Word) and Person Specification (Word) .
To find out more, please contact Victoria Waples, Parish Clerk, by calling 07579 211938 .
How to apply
An application pack and further details can be obtained by emailing clerk@thurstonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Completed application to be returned to clerk@thurstonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Closing date: 4.00 pm, 27 February 2026.
Interview date: Week commencing 9 March 2026.
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.