Any parish clerks out there?

[countrylifer]

A vacancy has come up for a parish clerk in a local village. It's something I'm very interested in applying for and wondered if anyone has an insider's perspective on it? The parish is large (over 3000) and it looks a fairly full time job. Just wondering how compatible it is with youngish children (4 and 7), and whether anyone has any golden bits of advice? Thank you!

Hopeful bump!

I'm a clerk for three parishes and it's a really interesting job! However my children are much older (18 and 15). A lot of the work is flexible from home but there will be meetings which are often evenings and paperwork which is legally time-critical - eg agendas HAVE to be sent out three clear days in advance, otherwise your meetings won't be legal. So it will depend on your childcare arrangements and being aware that if your children are ill (for example) there are some things that can't be delayed. Other than that it's a fab job and I would say go for it!

Thanks so much for replying pippakins. Did you have a local government background before you started or was it all new to you? I have lots of relevant skills from previous jobs but no direct experience in this sector so imagine it might be a steep learning curve! How many hours roughly do you work in the week?

I do ten hours for one, fifteen for another and 25 for the third. It sounds a lot but to be honest once you're in the swing of it you can do the work in less than that although some times are busier than others - like the financial year end. It was a steep learning curve but I found there were always lots of people to ask like your local Council association, there's loads of help online and other clerks will always be happy to help. I didn't have a local government background but a lot of it is common sense and organisation. It also involves the finances (which is not my favourite part!) but again, always loads of support around. It's been really varied and I like feeling part of the community. If you already have relevant skills then you'll be fine! There's a qualification that most Councils will want you to do (CiLCA) but again lots of support and once qualified you'd be in demand. Apart from the meetings it's really flexible. It helps to be good with people - Councillors are a random selection and don't always get on, but I've found they are respectful of the Clerk's position. Impartiality and integrity might be good words to remember at an interview! Hope that helps - I'm happy to answer any other questions! It will also be useful to keep your hand in if you look to go back to full-time employment when your children are older - lots of helpful skills. I've learnt about VAT and setting up websites, reporting potholes and at the moment a High Court action! There will always be someone you can ask for advice and I've not yet come across anyone who isn't happy to help. Can you tell I really enjoy it?

Sorry - should have remembered paragraphs!

I did it for a couple of years.
Really enjoyed it and was a good way back into work as a sahm.
There was lots of stuff to learn and I had to make room to keep the filing cabinets etc. Other than the actual meetings everything else was flexible so fitted it easily around school runs etc.

This is so helpful, thank you! It sounds like you really enjoy it and that's great to hear. I work very part time already at the moment but would like something I can get my teeth into a bit more than my current job. Being more a part of the community is appealing too, as is the varied nature of the work.

And thank you too tiggles - just seen your reply as well. I think this clerk role is based in the parish council office which is a downside as I currently work mainly from home with only a small amount of office time, and I like that flexibility with school runs etc, but won't let that put me off just yet!