Town clerk; proper officer

The town clerk is the senior officer and chief executive of Bicester Town Council, acting as the proper officer to ensure the lawful, efficient, and effective delivery of all council functions. The post holder provides independent, professional advice to councillors on governance, policy, and legal matters, and is responsible for implementing council decisions and managing day-to-day operations.

• Act as proper officer, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, including the Local Government Act 1972 and the Localism Act 2011.
• Advise the council on governance, legal, and procedural matters.
• Prepare agendas, reports, and minutes for council and committee meetings.
• Implement the council's decisions and oversee service delivery across open spaces, community assets, and events.
• Lead and manage all council staff, including recruitment, performance, and development.
• Oversee financial management, including budget preparation, precept setting, and monitoring expenditure, in conjunction with the responsible financial officer.
• Maintain council records, policies, risk management systems, and asset registers.
• Represent the council in meetings with partners, stakeholders, and other tiers of local government.
• Promote community engagement and support initiatives that enhance the town’s wellbeing and vitality.

• Proven experience in local government, ideally within a town or parish council.
• Strong understanding of local government law, governance, and finance.
• Excellent organisational, leadership, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and political neutrality.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and administrative systems.
• Must hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA).