Introduction

Kick-start your career in local government with this exciting Apprentice Town Clerk opportunity. Gain nationally recognised qualifications while earning a salary and developing valuable skills in administration, finance, governance and community engagement, helping to make a real difference to your local community.

About the Employer

The Town Council works at the very heart of the local community, supporting the democratic process, looking after public assets, and facilitating community events that make the town thrive. Unlike high-level principal authorities (like County or Unitary councils), a Town Council is the tier of local government closest to the people, dealing directly with residents' everyday lives. Working for the Town Council means you are working to directly benefit and enhance the lives of the people who reside in the parish.

What You'll Do

Administration:

Provide administrative support to the Town Clerk, Assistant Town Clerk and Council
Respond to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries from residents, councillors and stakeholders
Maintain accurate filing systems, both electronic and paper based
Prepare correspondence, reports, agendas and other council documentation
Manage incoming and outgoing mail
Maintain council records in accordance with data protection legislation

Democratic Services and Governance:

Assist with the preparation and distribution of agendas and supporting papers
Attend council and committee meetings as required
Produce draft minutes for review by the Town Clerk
Learn and apply legislation governing local councils, including governance and decision-making procedures
Support compliance with the Council's Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Code of Conduct

Finance:

Assist with routine financial administration
Process invoices, purchase orders and payments under supervision
Help maintain financial records and reconcile transactions
Support budget monitoring and financial reporting
Learn the principles of local government finance and audit requirements

Customer and Community Services:

Provide excellent customer service to members of the public
Support community events and civic activities
Assist with consultations and public engagement initiatives
Work collaboratively with local organisations, volunteers and partner agencies

Projects:

Assist with the planning and delivery of council projects
Conduct research and prepare briefing information
Help monitor project progress and outcomes
Support grant administration where applicable

Compliance:

Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Comply with health and safety policies

Support compliance with:

Local Government legislation
Data Protection legislation
Freedom of Information requirements
Equality legislation
Financial Regulations
Council policies and procedures

General Duties:

Demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post

Special Project:

To update the electronic cemetery records will all information including photographs taken at the cemetery to show the condition of each memorial. This may include updating the online searchable records
To update the electronic allotment holder records and re-plot the allotment sites in liaison with the Assistant Clerk and grounds staff

Training Outcome

Once the Business Administration apprenticeship is complete, the career progression within the sector is to complete CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) which is the basic qualification needed for most Clerk positions. From there, you can also go on to do BA (Hons) Degree in Community Governance but this is not a requirement of the role.

Skills Required

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Team working
Initiative
Patience

Qualifications

Essential - GCSE - English - Grade 4/C and above
Essential - GCSE - Maths - Grade 4/C and above

Course Information

Course: Business administrator (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Business and administration

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday, flexible hours, may work evenings.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

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