Great Dawley Parish Council

The role of the Clerk

• Is employed by the Council¹ and is often the Responsible Financial Officer² (RFO). A councillor may be appointed as clerk, but cannot be paid any remuneration³.
• As Proper Officer, has a duty to sign the summons to attend Meetings⁴.
• Prepares the agenda for meetings, takes minutes and implements the policy decisions and instructions of the council as a single body.
• Prioritise work effectively and efficiently, ensures the council is acting within the law. Offers support, advice, management and administration. Using contacts, advisors and reference material, researches ideas, gathers and collates information.
• Has a responsibility to ensure that members of staff have contracts, job descriptions and procedures for appraisals and grievance.
• Must keep up to date with and have a sound understanding of the duties, powers and functions of the council and attend training courses when necessary.
• Is responsible for the retention of documents, which have been deposited, for the purpose directed by legislation⁵.
• Can be delegated powers by the council to take action⁶.
• Has a duty, as RFO to ensure that accounts are in accordance with Regulations⁷.
• Is the first line of contact and should act and communicate in an objective, professional and proper manner.

1. Local Government Act 1972 s112
2. Local Government Act 1972 s 151
3. Local Government Act 1972 s 112 (5) and 116
4. Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12 para 10 (b)
5. Local Government Act 1972 s 225
6. Local Government Act 1972 s 101
7. Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 statutory instrument 533

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