Berkhamsted Town Council – Business Support and Event Officer

Job Title: Business Support and Event Officer

Salary Scale: Salary range within scale SCP 24-28, £35,412 – £39,512 per annum ( pro rata for hours worked), depending on qualifications and experience. Rising by one scale point after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
Reports to: Town Clerk and RFO, or the Deputy Clerk in the Town Clerk’s absence.
Hours of Work: Monday-Thursday, generally 28 hours per week between the core office hours of 9 am – 4:30 pm (with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break), including/plus attendance at evening meetings and some council or civic functions.
Based at: The Civic Centre, High Street, Berkhamsted

Please contact townclerk@berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk with any questions or applications for this role.

Role Overview

Current changes within local government have led Berkhamsted Town Council to consider its establishment and future staffing needs. More local services will likely be provided by the council, increasing the current workload and the nature of some of its work.

This exciting new role will provide the council with a first-class, efficient and professional administrative function, offering the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of tasks, including council administration and governance, event planning and management, and project work.

The ideal candidate must show demonstrable experience in high-level administrative tasks. Accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to work both in a team and independently to deliver work to a high standard are essential.

Applicants must be able to attend some evening meetings and civic functions, for which time off in lieu, or overtime pay, will be given.

Candidates must hold the necessary knowledge and qualifications specified in the job description and person specification, and these deliverables will be tested as part of the interview process.

Experience of working with or within a Town or Parish Council setting is desirable but is not essential, as a thorough induction and training will be provided. On successful completion of a probationary period, there will be an opportunity to undertake training to gain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), and project management qualifications.

What we offer

• 29 Days’ Holiday, plus statutory bank holidays (pro rata for hours worked)
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual National Pay Award
• Free Parking
• Training and Development Opportunities

Specific duties and responsibilities

Administration

• Be the professional first point of contact for the council office, including visitors to the office, answering telephone and email queries. Forwarding or reporting queries to the appropriate service or person, chasing them to a conclusion where needed.
• Provide administrative support to the Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
• Organise service visits for contractors to the office, and if requested, other council sites, including, but not limited to, the allotments and Lagley Meadow Hall.
• This role includes a wide variety of routine and ad hoc tasks such as checking defibrillators, managing the content of the council’s noticeboards, preparing for meetings and helping to plan and attend town events.
• Along with the rest of the team, update the council’s website and social media with standard notices, news items, council documents, agendas and minutes.
• Assist with monitoring and updating the content of the council website and social media.
• Maintain up-to-date councillor and council meeting records.
• Assist with financial and allotment administration under the guidance of the Finance and Allotment Officer.
• Support Neighbourhood Plan work.
• Respond to requests for the Mayor’s attendance and maintain a record of visits made.

Meetings and Governance

• Prepare and issue agenda packs for council, committee and working group meetings.
• Take minutes at committee and working group meetings, circulate to the relevant parties and complete actions arising.
• Prepare the Council Chamber for meetings, including set-up of the screen, refreshments and necessary paperwork and other information required.
• Receive and complete the planning application list and assist in preparing for planning committee meetings. Prepare the meeting agendas with the Deputy Clerk, attend the meetings, which are generally on Monday nights, and assist with taking minutes under the Deputy Clerk’s guidance. After the meeting, update the planning portal and support the Deputy Clerk in completing any actions arising from the minutes.
• Arrange meetings for councillors and officers, as required.
• The jobholder will be encouraged to attend council and other meetings to gain an understanding of the work of the council as a key team member.

Events

• Help to organise and attend council events, including free children’s events, annual Great Big Green Week, the Thermal Imaging Camera service and others as required
• Assist with organising and attending the Annual Town Meeting, the Festival of Light and the Mayor’s Civic Reception, Remembrance Day Parade, amongst others.
• Assist with the due diligence of suppliers, contractors, exhibitors, stallholders, etc. With the Town Clerk, ensure that appropriate licensing, insurance, event management plans, road orders, risk assessments, and planning are completed.
• Assist with event and communication plans and creation of promotional material.
• Capture feedback and contribute to post-event evaluation for continuous improvement.
• Maintain relationships with local organisations, community groups, businesses and schools within Berkhamsted.

General

• Be a team player, helping as needed across the activities of the town council.
• It is understood that other duties may be required commensurate with this post, and a flexible approach to work is essential to meet ever-changing needs. The position will evolve, and additional tasks and responsibilities are likely.

Please contact townclerk@berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk with any questions or applications for this role.