Vacancy for Assistant Clerk (new position)

Introduction to the Role

Sutton Courtenay is a village and civil parish located in the Vale of White Horse district of Oxfordshire, England. It lies on the south bank of the River Thames, approximately 2 miles south of Abingdon-on-Thames and 3 miles northwest of Didcot. The village has a population of around 3,000, with an electorate of 2,470, and a Parish Council precept of £102,000 for the 2025/26 financial year. The Parish Council comprises 11 seats, which are normally all filled.

In 2025, the Parish Council became the sole corporate trustee of the Sutton Courtenay Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This charity primarily provides a village hall, and the site also includes a public tennis court, allotments, and a building leased to the Scouts.

The Parish Council owns and maintains the Recreation Ground, which features a play area, outdoor gym, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), and a skate park. Adjacent to this is the Parish Council cemetery, opened in 2000. The Council is also responsible for the registered Village Green and two additional small parcels of land in the village.

In addition to maintaining these areas and various street furniture throughout the parish, the Council has an agreement with Oxfordshire County Council to manage grass verge cutting—a responsibility that is a valued source of community pride.

Historically, the Parish Council did not operate from a dedicated office. However, with the appointment of the new Assistant Clerk, an office will now be established within the parish. Public access to this office will be available by appointment only.

Overall Responsibilities

The Assistant Clerk will support the Parish Clerk in the administration, management, and delivery of the Council’s services, projects, and operations. This includes actively promoting and implementing Council policies. A key responsibility of the role is to take the lead in managing the operations of the Sutton Courtenay Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and overseeing the administration of Council-owned amenities, including the Recreation Ground and Village Green.

The Assistant Clerk reports directly to the Clerk and will deputise for the Clerk in their absence, including covering all associated duties during periods of leave.

The initial contract would be for 6 months with a view to making it permanent.

This is a part-time appointment for 12 hours per week, worked over 2 to 3 days, with the schedule to be mutually agreed, allowing for some flexibility in the future. The majority of hours will be worked in the parish office or at Parish Council sites. Some evening work may be required, particularly in connection with meetings or events.

The role is graded under the Local Government Services pay scale at SCP 13–17, currently £15.06–£16.08 per hour. A generous pension scheme is available through the Oxfordshire Local Government Pension Scheme.

Training will be provided, both onsite and offsite, with the opportunity to work towards obtaining the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification.

Detailed Responsibilities & Person Specification are included in the PDF on this page.

To apply for the role complete the application form and submit it to the Clerk by 9am, Monday 1st December 2025. Interviews will take place the week beginning Monday 8th December.