c. Clerk of the Council

S.112 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a Council to appoint such Officers as they feel necessary for the proper discharge of their functions and obligations.  

Each council requires a Clerk, who in the majority of smaller councils will often be the only employee.     

The Clerk is generally the ‘Proper Officer’ of the Council, and in addition to the functions required of that role, will also provide council with general administrative support. Additionally, they would be expected to advise the council on legal and procedural issues.   

The Clerk will normally be responsible for supervising all other staff employed by the Council. Responsible for other staff that may be employed by the council. The clerk takes instructions from the council as a body.

A council needs a formal address to which correspondence can be sent. In smaller councils that do not have their own premises this could be the Clerk’s address, or if preferred an alternative (e.g. PO box).    All correspondence should normally be dealt with by the Clerk. This makes sure that the lines of communication are kept simple and uncomplicated.

The Clerk must recognise that the council is responsible for all decisions and that instruction is taken from the council as a body. The Clerk is not answerable to any individual Councillor (including the Chair). The Council must be confident that the Clerk is always independent, objective, and professional. 

The Clerk is usually the ‘Responsible Financial Officer’ of the council, ensuring the council’s financial activities are conducted with integrity and compliance.