A vacancy has opened at Ilminster Town Council for a new Town Clerk.

The job advert reads: "The council is looking for a dynamic and innovative individual to lead a growing council into the future. The successful candidate will need to build positive relationships with Councillors, staff, residents, community groups, businesses and other local organisations.

"You will also lead and manage our dedicated team of eight staff and take overall responsibility for all administrative functions.

"In addition, you will be responsible for a wide range of quality services including recreation grounds, open spaces, cemetery and the Herne Hill Nature Reserve."

The main responsibilities include advising the Town Council on its work ensuring decisions and procedures are lawful and then managing the implementation of those decisions.

The Town Clerk takes instruction from the Town Council as a corporate body and is not answerable to any individual Councillor or committee unless Full Council has delegated aspects to that committee.

The Town Clerk should, at all times, be independent, professional and objective in all that they do. The Town Clerk must remain apolitical.

The Town Clerk is the designated Head of Paid Service and the Proper Officer of the Town Council. They have a statutory duty to carry out all functions.

The Council is also negotiating with Somerset Council on service and devolution aspects. Ideally, they are seeking CiLCA qualified candidates with a minimum of two years’ experience of being a Town Clerk or in a similar role.

A full-time position of 37 hours per week which includes some evening and very occasional weekend working. The package includes 23 days paid leave plus public holidays and a generous local government pension scheme.

Email the Recruitment Panel at recruitment@ilminster.gov.uk for more information about the role.

A recruitment pack and application form (required for all applicants) can be obtained from the vacancies page of the Town Council’s website or on request from the office by calling 01460 52149.

Closing date for applications is Noon on Thursday 4 July 2024 and interviews will be held Tuesday 9 July 2024.