Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer - Wimborne Town Council

About the role

You will have experience in public services, people management, finances and audit oversight and will hold (or be prepared to complete) a CiLCA qualification. You will be an excellent communicator, demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, manage complex relationships with the ability to think strategically and forge strong partnerships in the community. You will have overall responsibility for the management of the Council's services and ensure good governance practices working with councillors on the delivery of the Council's Strategic and Annual Plan's. As the Proper Officer you will ensure the Council operates within the statutory frameworks which govern it (including compliance with relevant law and regulations) and remains up-to-date with best practice. As Responsible Financial Officer you will be responsible for the Council's finances, ensuring effective accounting systems are in place, overseeing the annual return process, monitoring and drafting budgets and procurement processes.

Further Information

If you would like any further information or an informal conversation please contact Louise Harrison on .

About Us

Wimborne Minster Town Council serves an estimated population of 8,847 residents across approximately 3,886 households and covers an area of approximately 8.6 square miles. The Town Council operates within powers granted and regulated by statute, working alongside Parliament, Dorset Council, BCP and our neighbouring parish and town councils.

Responsibilities

• maintaining play areas and recreation grounds including a skate area and pétanque court;
• organising community events and activities including the Acts of Remembrance, Armed Forces Day, Christmas lights switch on, New Years event with Wimborne Militia, and a number of civic events;
• supporting local development and planning applications;
• overseeing the upkeep of public amenities including allotments, a cemetery, a Grade II listed building where weddings and civil ceremonies take place, and various street furniture including CCTV throughout the town;
• support for local services including the Community Bus 88 Service, Citizens Advice and other local organisations via our Community Grant Scheme, and
• advocating for the needs of Wimborne Minster's residents at local, regional and national levels.

The Town Council's vision is towork to support a connected, diverse and inclusive community through collaboration and transparent decision-making processes that respect the natural environment and heritage of the town, improves the quality of life for our residents and the resilience of our community. For more information please read our five-year Strategic Plan and Annual Plan on our website (Strategic Plan 2024 to 2029 Wimborne Minster Town Council).

The Town Council recently achieved Silver Local Council Award Status, and is committed to maintaining high standards of governance, service delivery and community engagement, following the adoption of our Strategic Plan in 2024. We became a signatory to the Civility and Respect Pledge in October 2022, demonstrating our commitment to promoting positive, respectful behaviour across the sector. Strong working relationships between councillors and staff are encouraged through regular engagement activities including internal quarterly workshop events, and ongoing training. Our current projects include finishing our Climate Action Plan; expanding service level agreements with key partners; delivering our exciting Wimborne Minster Town of Culture 2026 project and our first Neighbourhood Plan, and a review of Dorset Council assets relevant to the town under double devolution.

Sixteen elected councillors and eleven staff work closely together and with local groups and organisations to support the town and our residents.