Part-Time Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) - 18.5h

BCP Council; Poole; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a part-time Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer for up to 18½ hours per week. This role offers the opportunity to shape governance and deliver high-quality local services for the newly established Broadstone Town Council. Candidates should possess a CiLCA qualification and have a strong track record in public service leadership, excellent communication skills, and the commitment to public engagement. Flexible working hours are anticipated, offering a rewarding challenge.

Benefits

Local government pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership within public service.
• Ability to manage the Council's statutory requirements.
• Commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

• Set standards and modernise processes for the council.
• Forge strong partnerships within the community.
• Attend meetings and engage in flexible work hours.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Community partnership building

Education

CiLCA qualification

Job description

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and forward-thinking part-time Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer to help build and shape the governance, culture and delivery of high-quality local services for a brand-new town council for Broadstone.

Following a community governance review and a decision of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on 14 October 2025, Broadstone Town Council will be established on 1 April 2026. This is a great opportunity for an individual wanting an exciting and rewarding challenge.

The Role - Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO)

This is a rare career-defining opportunity to set standards, modernise processes, and create a council that is trusted, responsive and ambitious.

As well as managing the Council's statutory requirements, the ideal candidate will have relevant experience with a track record of senior leadership within a public service and will hold a CiLCA qualification. They will be an excellent communicator who can demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service and with the ability to think strategically and forge strong partnerships in the community.

With first year precepts of just under £300,000, there is scope for this new council to deliver positive outcomes for this vibrant community. Operational arrangements will be determined by the new council following the elections in May 2026 but flexible working is expected, given the out of hours attendance at meetings, etc. The role is being advertised on a part-time basis up to 18½ hours per week. The national terms and conditions agreement for clerks will apply and the post-holder will be eligible to join the local government pension scheme.

Broadstone is a welcoming, close-knit community within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. While enjoying the amenities of a major urban area, Broadstone retains a unique village atmosphere and a strong sense of local identity.

Residents take pride in well-kept streets, green spaces, and the bustling Broadway, which hosts independent shops, cafés, and regular community events. The area's vibrant spirit is reflected in its active local groups, sports clubs, and volunteer organisations, with events such as the annual Fun Day, art exhibitions and Christmas Parade offering many ways to get involved.

Excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a tradition of civic engagement foster a supportive environment for all. With easy access to natural beauty and urban amenities, Broadstone is an appealing place to live and work.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.