BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN CLERK & RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER

Permanent position subject to 6-month probation period
Full-time (37 hours pw) including some evening work and occasional civic events
Salary scale LC3 (33 – 36) £37,568 - £40,578
Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme
Reports to Full Council through the Support Services Group
Manages the staff team at Berkhamsted Town Council
Closing date for applications: Friday 15 July 2022 at 12 noon
Interviews: Week beginning 25 July 2022

Berkhamsted is a historic market town located in the Chiltern Hills bordering the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The river Bulbourne (a rare chalk stream) and the Grand Union Canal run through the town. It was here that the Anglo-Saxon crown was ceded to William the Conqueror in 1066 and we have a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in the town. Since that time numerous historic and literary associations have been established in the town. In 2018, Berkhamsted was named the best place to live in the Southeast by The Sunday Times.

The Town Clerk leads a team of four other staff members: the Deputy Town Clerk, the Finance & Allotment Officer, Project Officer and the Town Warden. The post holder should be a confident, experienced and effective manager with a proven track record. The Town Clerk must be able to build on existing working relationships with other councils, statutory bodies, community groups and other partner organisations to further enhance and improve Berkhamsted for the benefit of residents.

The Town Council offices are on the second floor of the Civic Centre in Berkhamsted High Street with staff parking to the rear. The Council is made up of 15 elected councillors and this year the Town Mayor is Cllr Wendy Conian. The Town Council owns four large allotment sites in the town and runs Lagley Meadow Youth Centre which is currently leased to a pre-school group. The Council works closely with other organisations to enhance the assets, character and environment of Berkhamsted, often contributing financially to such initiatives. The Town Council lobbies other organisations such as Dacorum Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council for improved facilities in Berkhamsted. The Council is currently working on a number of environmental initiatives through our Climate Change Steering Group.

Berkhamsted Town Council is an equal opportunities employer. A thorough programme of induction training will be given to ensure a smooth transition into the job. During a six-month probation period there will be regular reviews together with formal and on-job training to support fully the successful candidate in their new role. Candidates for interview will be asked to make a short presentation to the interview panel and the subject will be notified to them with the invitation to interview. The closing date/time for applications is 12 noon on Friday 15 July and interviews will be held week beginning 25 July 2022.