Closing Date: 17th November 2025 Hours: 21 hours per week Rate of Pay: £22,972 – £25,376 for 21 hours per week (NALC SCP 31-35) dependent on experience and qualifications)

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to:
margaret.meldrum@ardingly.org

SUMMARY
We are advertising to fill the combined role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial
Officer.
The Council seeks highly organised and committed applicants to undertake this key
role responsible for all day-to-day organisation and management of the Council’s
services, facilities and finances.
You will need to be enthusiastic, flexible and community-focused with excellent
administrative, interpersonal, accounting and IT skills to work successfully with staff,
councillors, external organisations, stakeholders and the community.
You will be suitably experienced to ensure that all legal, statutory, financial and other
governing provisions relating to the Council are observed. You will also be responsible
for ensuring that all Council meetings are properly administered, and decisions are
effectively implemented, whilst developing healthy working partnerships with key local
and regional bodies. CiLCA qualification would be ideal but not necessary.
The position is highly flexible, principally homeworking with flexibility to work out of
one of the parish buildings.
The council will consider splitting the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer roles
should applicants specify this in their application.
We offer excellent nationally based terms and conditions of employment for this post.
Ardingly Parish Council • Serving the Community of Ardingly, West Sussex
www.ardingly.org | margaret.meldrum@ardingly.org
DETAILS
Further details of the job description listing the key tasks can be received upon request.
Hours:
The position is 21 hours per week with scope for a degree of homeworking / flexibility.
Attendance is required at a minimum of eleven evening full council meetings per year
normally held on the second Wednesday of the month in Hapstead Hall 7.30 to
9.30pm and one annual meeting, all of which will form part of normal working hours.
There will also be a few irregular committee meetings to organise and attend.
There will be times throughout the year when it will be busier than others and it is
expected that this fluctuation will be self-managed.
Holidays:
The holiday allowance is in line with the National Agreement ‘Green Book’ conditions
of service which is 28 working days’ paid annual holiday (which includes the eight
public and bank holidays in England).
Pension:
You will receive membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (after the
qualifying period) and receive sick pay.
The successful candidate must have:

  • Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good IT skills
  • Familiarity with finance and accountancy
  • Either have or be prepared to work towards the Certificate in Local Council
    Administration (CiLCA) or equivalent. Training will be supported.
  • Previous experience in local government administration and finance is desirable
    as is experience relating to the management of project work.
  • Proof of right to work in the UK
  • References from previous employers