Job Purpose
To support Bishop Auckland Town Council in engaging effectively with community groups, voluntary organisations, and local partners. The postholder will promote community involvement, develop networks and partnerships, and assist in the delivery of council-led events and projects, helping to ensure that the Council remains responsive, visible, and connected to the community it serves. As well as completing funding applications.
Duties and Responsibilities
Community Engagement
1. Act as a point of contact between the Town Council and the local community.
2. Develop and maintain effective relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations, schools, faith groups, and local businesses.
3. Encourage community participation in council initiatives, consultations, and projects.
4. Gather and relay community feedback to officers and councillors to support decision-making.
Networking and Partnership Working
5. Represent the Town Council as delegated at: meetings, forums, and networking events as required.
6. Develop and grow partnerships with external organisations to support local priorities and projects.
7. Identify opportunities for joint working, collaboration, and external funding including grant application submissions.
Events and Projects
8. Support the planning, promotion, and delivery of town council events and community projects alongside the Deputy Clerk.
9. Attend and assist at events, including some evenings and weekends, as required which would include but not exclusively Youth Awards, Remembrance Parade and Heritage Fayre.
10. Ensure activities are delivered effectively and safely with the relevant permissions such as SAG, Risk Assessment etc.
Communications
11. Assist with the promotion of council and community activities through appropriate communication channels, including newsletters, social media, and the council website in the absence of a media officer or PR contractor.
Administration and Reporting
12. Maintain accurate records of engagement activity, contacts, and outcomes.
13. Prepare reports, updates, and information for council meetings, officers, and councillors as required.
14. Support consultations, surveys, and grant-related activity linked to community engagement.
General
16. Comply with the policies and procedures of Bishop Auckland Town Council.
17. Observe confidentiality at all times.
18. Undertake training and development as required.
19. Carry out other duties commensurate with the role, as directed by the Deputy Town Clerk.
Person Specification
Essential
* Experience of community engagement, partnership working, or stakeholder liaison
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of people
* Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
* Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
* Competent IT skills, including email and document preparation
Desirable
* Experience of working within a town or parish council, local authority, or voluntary sector
* Experience of supporting or delivering community events
* Knowledge of Bishop Auckland and local community networks
* Experience of consultation, surveys, or community engagement activities
Additional Information
This post may be subject to a DBS check due to the delivery of this role.
Time off in lieu or flexible working arrangements will apply for evening and weekend work, in accordance with council policy.
Please see Supporting Documents to view/download a full outline of the main duties, responsibilities and requirements of the role.
For further information about this post please contact the Town Council, on 01388 207110 or email: council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk
To apply, please forward your CV and a Covering letter to email: council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk
Bishop Auckland Town Council is committed to Equality of Opportunity and actively welcomes applications from all sections of the community.