This is a pivotal role serving a rural village with a strong commitment to its community and local environment ABOUT THE ROLE As the Council's sole employee, you will be the head of administration ("Proper Officer") and the lead for financial affairs, responsible for the internal management and organisation of tasks and policies set by the Council. You will work from home, providing your own office space while the Council ensures you have the necessary support and equipment to perform your duties. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Administration: Organise, prepare for, and attend Council meetings, producing accurate agendas and minutes. • Professional Advice: Provide expert advice to 11 Councillors to ensure all decisions and actions are legal and compliant. • Finance (RFO): Manage day-to-day finances using relevant software, lead annual budget setting (typically reviewed in October), and ensure VAT recovery and accurate financial reporting. • Project Oversight: Implement Council decisions and oversee local projects, including participation in the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. • Statutory Compliance: Serve as the primary officer for Data Protection (GDPR) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. • Asset Management: Manage Council facilities including open spaces, amenity areas, allotments, and the playing field. • Communication: Update the village website with statutory documents and contribute a Parish Council summary for the bi-monthly village magazine. • Representation: Attend external meetings on behalf of the Council, such as the LHIFG and Devizes Area Board CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS • Experience: We are seeking a clerk with experience of local government law, governance, and finance • Qualifications: Ideally CiLCA qualified (or willing to obtain this within 12 months). • Communication: Excellent managerial and administrative skills, with the ability to communicate succinctly and clearly, including by email • Resilience: The ability to remain calm and professional during heated debates or challenging situations • Attributes: Highly motivated, community-focused, and able to combine professional integrity with a collaborative and pragmatic approach WHAT WE OFFER • Salary: Salary will be negotiated based on experience and relevant national pay scales RPC Remote-first hybrid — most work is remote, with one evening meeting per month and other occasional in-person meetings. • Supportive Environment: We have established a dedicated Staffing & Finance Committee specifically tasked with Human Resources and providing the Clerk with formal management and support. • Professional Integrity: RPC has signed the Civility and Respect Pledge and operates under a robust Dignity at Work Policy, ensuring a workplace based on mutual respect and a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. HOW TO APPLY Please send your CV and a covering letter to: Cllr.l.Wills@rowdeparishcouncil.gov.uk Rowde Parish Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.