Deputy Town Clerk at Lyme Regis Town Council

About the role

Lyme Regis Town Council is a major stakeholder in the local tourist economy, managing large parts of the seafront, public car parks and gardens. Its activities are supported by an extensive property portfolio and other leisure facilities. Despite a relatively small resident population of about 4,000, the council's annual income is more than £2,500,000 and its range of 'business' activities is comparable with many much larger towns.

The council is seeking to appoint a forward-thinking deputy town clerk who can work alongside the town clerk to manage the council's statutory requirements and promote the interests of the town.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a 'can do' attitude, who can demonstrate strong governance, administrative and management skills alongside a good understanding of all aspects of local service delivery. The ideal candidate could come from a range of backgrounds or disciplines; administrative, financial, operational or community, for instance.

Ideally, the successful candidate will hold, or be prepared to complete, the Certificate in Local Council Administration.

The post of deputy town clerk is demanding, and duties will require regular evening and occasional weekend working.

The closing date for applications is midday Friday 4 September 2026.

Interviews are likely to be held on either Thursday 10 or Friday 11 September 2026.

Further Information Job Purpose

• To ensure the town council operates in accordance with legislation and that its approved policies and procedures are implemented

Main Duties

• To work with the town clerk to ensure that statutory and other provisions governing or affecting the operation of the council are observed, including standing orders, financial regulations, external and internal audit, internal control, risk management, and health and safety.
• To administer meetings of the town council's committees and to advise its members on policy, strategy, procedure and performance.
• To attend civic and other external events and advise on civic protocol and ceremonies.
• To positively promote the town council with residents, visitors, stakeholders and external partners.
• To manage budgets, assets and resources.
• To lead, manage and motivate the staff.
• To manage projects and change.

Dimensions

• To deputise for the town clerk.
• At the direction of the town clerk manage functions that could include: budgetary control; ICT; general administration; customer services; performance management; the development and implementation of operational programmes, plans, procedures and systems; lease, rental and hire agreements; repairs and maintenance; cemeteries' management; grounds' maintenance and the management of openspaces; allotments; leisure activities; car parking; health and safety; civic and other events; community and stakeholder relations; publications and communications; the promotion of tourism and the local economy; and ad-hoc projects.

Supervision

• The post holder will assist the town clerk in the management of up to 30 full-time and some part-time staff.

Contacts

• Members of the general public
• Elected members
• LRTC staff
• External consultants and contractors
• Partner organisations, stakeholders and statutory authorities.

General

• This job description contains the principal duties relating to this post and does not describe in detail all the tasks required to carry them out.
• Duties may vary from time-to-time without changing the character of the post or the level of responsibility.

Special Notes Or Conditions

• The post holder will be expected to work some evenings, weekends and bank holidays.