Interim Parish Clerk

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the creation and establishment of two new parish councils in Charnwood - in the town of Loughborough and the new parish of Broadnook. Elections to both councils will be held in May 2027.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated person to lead this project. Working alongside Charnwood Borough Council, elected members and the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils, you will ensure the new councils are legally compliant and operational from Day One.

This is a rare opportunity to shape two new local authorities and make a lasting contribution to local democracy.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Democracy, you will provide professional leadership throughout the council creation process and the early months of operation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the practical establishment of the new Loughborough and Broadnook Parish Councils.
• Developing governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
• Preparing Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and other constitutional documents.
• Establishing banking, insurance, financial systems and operational processes.
• Coordinating the creation of the council’s website, domain and email systems.
• Organising council meetings and preparing agendas and reports.
• Supporting councillor induction and training programmes.
• Leading the recruitment and handover to the permanent parish clerks.
• Providing professional governance and compliance advice throughout the process.
• Producing regular reports and updates for stakeholders.
• When the project concludes, you can apply for the newly created Clerk positions at either council, should you wish to do so.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

Essential

• Experience within local government, town councils & parish councils or a comparable public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of local council governance and statutory responsibilities.
• Experience developing policies, standing orders, financial regulations, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Experience supporting elected members and formal committee meetings.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• The ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities.
• A full driving licence and ability to attend meetings across Charnwood and further afield as required.

Desirable

• Existing experience as a Town Clerk, Parish Clerk, Proper Officer, or Responsible Financial Officer.
• CiLCA qualification or equivalent governance qualification.
• Knowledge of local council finance, AGAR requirements and audit processes.
• Experience of organisational start-up, transformation or change management projects.
• Experience supporting council elections, community governance reviews or asset transfers.

Contacts for more information;

Charnwood Borough Council

Karen Widdowson

Head of Democracy

Karen.widdowson@charnwood.gov.uk

Tel: 07935 013144

Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils (LRALC)

Justin Robinson – Chief Executive

John Kilcoyne – Deputy chief Executive

admin@leicestershireandrutlandalc.gov.uk

Tel: 0116 235 3800

Interviews will take place the week commencing 7th December 2026.

No agencies please.