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News that might of interest to your Parish Council

Vacancy – Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer, Aspley Guise Parish Council

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Aspley Guise Parish Council

Part-time Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer: 14 hours per week to be worked flexibly, from home. Aspley Guise Parish Council seeks a highly motivated and enthusiastic person to take on the post of Clerk to the Council and Responsible Finance Officer. Our current Clerk will step down on 31st October 2026.d

The successful candidate will be employed for 14 hours per week to be worked on a flexible basis, working independently from home, along with attendance in person at the monthly Parish Council meeting which is held in the evening on the first Monday of every month (excluding August) at St Botolph’s Church, Link Room.

Please note that this is a role for both Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer – Person Specification

Qualifications/Experience/Skills:

Experience in local government administration Desirable
Recognised qualifications in these skill areas e.g. CiLCA or willing to achieve it Essential
Thorough understanding of current IT systems for the running of a modern office and experience of working with social media and websites Essential
Experience of finance management: preparing financial statements, bookkeeping and budgets Essential
Good communication skills, both written and oral.  A friendly, helpful and professional telephone manner. Essential
Ability to research and give accurate and clear advice on practice and procedure in local government. Essential
Ability to interpret and process large amounts of complex information and to write detailed reports and analysis. Essential

Personal Attributes:

Self-motivated, able to work under own initiative to manage workload. Essential
Able to prioritise and consider time effectiveness. To adhere to deadlines. Essential
A strategic thinker and planner with the ability to ensure that the Parish Council is fully prepared to meet the challenges of new legislation and the increased demands of technology. Essential
Able to work flexibly and to attend scheduled evening meetings and any additional meetings, as and when required. Essential
Enjoy the benefits and challenges of working with a small team.  Be flexible, personable, a team player, leader and manager. Essential
Be trustworthy, discreet, reliable and have a good sense of humour. Essential
Driving licence and own transport (Depending on meeting locations). Desirable

Terms and Conditions

– Renumeration will be in accordance with The National Joint Council for Local Government Services. This will be agreed upon depending on experience and qualifications.

To apply, please send your CV along with a short covering note and your contact details to clerk@aspleyguiseparishcouncil.gov.uk.

BATPC AGM Sponsor in Focus: Online Playgrounds

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Online Playgrounds LogoAmongst those joining us at the BATPC AGM 2026 on the evening of 14th October at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick is sponsor and exhibitor Online Playgrounds, who will be in place from 7pm to discuss their range of products and services for local councils.  In the meantime, Online Playgrounds has provided the following introduction with information on who they are and what they offer:

Online Playgrounds is an independent, family-owned UK company with over 30 years of experience specialising in commercial playground spare parts.

We supply replacement parts for playground equipment from all major manufacturers, helping customers keep play areas safe, compliant and operational.

Alongside our extensive spare parts range, we also supply new play equipment and offer design, manufacture, installation, inspection and maintenance services.

Combining quality products with expert knowledge and reliable customer service, we support customers with all aspects of playground supply, maintenance and repair.

https://www.onlineplaygrounds.co.uk

BATPC AGM Sponsor in Focus: Parish Online

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Parish Online LogoAmongst those joining us at the BATPC AGM 2026 on the evening of 14th October at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick is sponsor and exhibitor Parish Online, who will be in place from 7pm to discuss their range of products and services for local councils.  In the meantime, Parish Online has provided the following introduction with information on who they are and what they offer:

Parish Online provides mapping software, websites, GOV.UK email, cloud storage and office tools designed specifically to help local councils become more efficient, resilient and professional.

Established in 2008, Parish Online set out to address the technology divide between local councils and their higher-tier counterparts. Today, its services combine easy-to-use technology with support from a team that understands both IT and the local council sector.

Parish Online Mapping brings a wealth of geographic information together in one place, including up-to-date Ordnance Survey mapping and aerial photography. Councils can use it for everything from managing assets and investigating land ownership to creating Neighbourhood Plan maps, supporting biodiversity projects and publishing interactive maps for residents.

Parish Online also helps councils strengthen their wider digital infrastructure. Its Website Service follows GOV.UK design standards, while professional GOV.UK Email addresses help councils communicate from an official, trusted domain.

That same approach extends to councils’ day-to-day work. Parish Online Cloud Office provides secure cloud storage and office tools, giving councils a professional home for documents and files rather than relying on individual devices or personal accounts. This makes information easier to access, manage and share, while improving continuity when clerks or councillors change.

Parish Online is a not-for-profit social enterprise. Subscription revenue is reinvested to support the local council sector, including free Wellbeing Coaching for clerks and support for County Associations through events and sponsorship.

Parish Online is proud to be sponsoring and exhibiting at the Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils AGM on 14 October.

Find out more at www.parish-online.co.uk, and speak to Wendy, our Parish Support Specialist, at the AGM to discover how Parish Online can support your council.

 

Interested in Becoming a Councillor? A Chance to Find Out More on Thursday 15th October

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A hand placing a ballot paper into a ballot box, in black and whiteWith local elections taking place on 6 May 2027, now is an ideal time for residents who are passionate about their communities to consider standing as a Councillor and helping to shape the future of the area.

If this could be you, Central Bedfordshire Council council is hosting a ‘Be a Councillor’ event on Thursday 15 October 2026 at 6.30pm at Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. BATPC representatives will be taking part at the event, which will provide an opportunity to find out first-hand what it is like to serve as a Councillor at both unitary and town and parish council level.

Councillors play a vital role in representing local residents, influencing decisions that affect communities and helping shape local services. Councils are keen to encourage a broad and diverse range of candidates from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

Residents do not need previous experience to become a Councillor. Skills gained through work, family life, caring responsibilities, volunteering and community involvement can all be valuable in the role. If elected, there is support, guidance and training available.

The joint event on October 15 with Central Bedfordshire Council and town and parish councils is designed to give prospective candidates a clearer understanding of what the role involves, who can stand for election, and the support available to those who choose to put themselves forward.

There’s more information about the Be a Councillor event on the Central Bedfordshire Council website, here, including eligibility criteria and guidance on standing for election. Meanwhile there is a range of resources and information about becoming a town and parish councillor in particular on the National Association of Local Councils website, here.

Hear Directly from Universal Destinations and Experiences at the BATPC AGM 2026!

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BATPC LogoTown and parish councillors and officers from BATPC member councils are invited to attend the BATPC AGM 2026, which this year will feature involvement from representatives from Universal Destinations and Experiences.  They will be speaking about the development of Universal United Kingdom Resort here in Bedfordshire and answering questions directly from you as local council representatives.

The event is taking place at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick, from 7pm on Wednesday 14th October, and is free to attend and open to all members and officers of BATPC member councils. In addition to the talk and Q&A with Universal Destinations and Experiences, it will also include the formal business of the BATPC Annual General Meeting, plus the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from the For Men To Talk community initiative, and event exhibitors Parish Online and Online Playgrounds.

A highlight of the evening will be a presentation from Gidon Freeman and Rosie Kavanagh of Universal Destinations and Experiences, providing an update on the proposed development and discussing both the ongoing development process and the future operation of this major emerging attraction for Bedfordshire. Gidon and Rosie will also take questions from those attending, offering a valuable opportunity for councils to speak directly to Universal about what the development means for their communities, now and in the future.

We look forward to welcoming councillors, clerks and council officers for what promises to be an informative and engaging evening.

Registration will be open later this month.  Councils are invited to send two (electorate below 1500) or three (electorate 1500 or greater) voting representatives to the AGM, with additional councillors/officers invited to attend as non-voting representatives.  Attendance for all councillors and officers from member councils is free of charge.

Vacancy – Parish Clerk, Wilstead Parish Council

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Wilstead Parish Council

Parish Clerk

Experienced Parish Clerk Required

An opportunity to support a busy and growing Bedfordshire parish

OFFICE HOURS

20 hours per week
Two days in the Parish Office
Monday and Wednesday, 10am to 2pm

 FLEXIBLE WORKING

Remaining hours worked flexibly, including Monday evening meetings
SALARY

SCP Scale Point 24 (TBC)
pro rata

 ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

Parish or Town Council experience and
burial ground management

Wilstead Parish Council is seeking an experienced, organised and confident Clerk to support a busy and growing parish. This is a Clerk only appointment. The role combines core council administration with responsibility for the burial ground, public open spaces, CCTV and the demands created by significant local development.

THE PROFESSIONAL ROLE

The Clerk is the Council’s Proper Officer and principal professional adviser. The postholder will provide impartial advice and implement lawful decisions made by the Council.

THE ROLE INCLUDES

  • Managing the Council’s administration and statutory responsibilities, including year-end accounts and annual audits
  • Preparing agendas and accurate timely minutes, and supporting councillors
  • Attending monthly Monday evening Parish Council meetings
  • Administering and managing the parish burial ground
  • Supporting the management of public open spaces
  • Overseeing CCTV administration
  • Helping the Council respond to significant housing growth and development
  • Dealing professionally with residents, contractors and partner organisations

WHAT WE NEED

  • Previous experience as a parish or town clerk
  • Experience of burial ground administration and management
  • Good knowledge of parish council law, standing orders, governance and transparency
  • Able to prepare accurate agendas and minutes without editorialising
  • Able to give clear professional advice and then implement the Council’s agreed decision

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

  • Six month probationary period with clear performance objectives
  • Monday evening meetings form part of the contracted 20 hours
  • Additional hours require prior authorisation, with payment or time off agreed in advance
  • The working arrangement will be reviewed following the probationary period
HOW TO APPLY

Send your CV and a covering letter explaining your relevant experience to

recruitment@wilsteadparishcouncil.org

CLOSING DATE: 2nd October 2026

New Councillor Induction Training Course with BATPC – Booking Now Open

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Booking is now open for the below remote New Councillor Induction training session with BATPC, taking place via Teams as follows:

  • New Councillor Induction: Thursday 12th November 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm (£35 per delegate)

This session guides parish and town councillors through the basics of local council practice, including roles & responsibilities, councils’ powers & duties, council meetings and more. The session is designed for new councillors, but bookings are open for all councillors on BATPC member authorities and all are welcome.

Places are available to be booked by the clerk to BATPC member councils by emailing Tracy Moorhouse at admin@batpc.co.uk

This will be the final New Councillor Induction Training prior to the May 2027 elections.  Details of New Councillor Training Arrangements to follow the elections will be shared in due course.

For more information on the full range of training available through BATPC, please click here

Local Government Pay Settlement for 2026/27 Announced

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Piles of coinsThe National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services has agreed a 3.3% increase in pay rates and allowances applicable from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.  The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has published an advice note detailing the new pay scales, and parish and town councils are encouraged to implement the pay award as soon as possible.

The advice note, available here (member login required) sets out the revised annual salaries and hourly rates for clerks and other employees employed under the terms of the model contract, including salary points 50 and above. The new rates should be applied retrospectively from 1 April 2026.

It also provides guidance on backpay for employees who have left their employment since that date. Where a former employee requests payment, NALC recommends parish and town councils pay any money owed from 1 April 2026 until their final day of employment.

Hourly rates have been calculated using the NJC-agreed formula based on a standard 37-hour working week. The updated scales also reflect the deletion of salary point 2 from 1 April 2026.

Vacancy – Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, Studham Parish Council

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Studham Parish Council LogoStudham Parish Council

CLERK & RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER (RFO)

Part time – 13 hours per week – Permanent Position – Immediate start available

Studham Parish Council is seeking an experienced, motivated and proactive Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer RFO to support the Council in delivering its services to the local community.
This is primarily a home-based role with hours worked flexibly. The successful applicant will be required to attend the Council’s monthly meetings, held on the second Monday of each month.
Studham is a rural parish located within the Chiltern Hills National Landscape, an area recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, biodiversity and distinctive character. The parish has a strong sense of community and an active Parish Council committed to enhancing local services, supporting community initiatives, and protecting the parish environment and heritage.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Clerk/RFO to play a central role in supporting the Council’s work, by ensuring effective governance, sound financial management and compliance with statutory duties, while helping the Council achieve its objectives for the benefit of the community.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as the Council’s Proper Officer and principal adviser.

• Providing procedural and administrative support.

• Preparing agendas, reports, and minutes.

• Financial – budgeting, payments, bank reconciliations, preparation of annual governance accountability returns, statements and financial reports.

• Managing the Council’s communications, including website maintenance, social media, publishing of statutory notices and Council documents, and acting as the first point of contact for enquiries.

• Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, governance procedures and council policies.

• Supporting Council Members with projects and Parish matters.

Person Specification – the Council is seeking an enthusiastic and professional individual who can demonstrate:

• Previous experience as a Parish Council Clerk and RFO.

• Sound knowledge of local government legislation, governance, procedures and financial management.

• The ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and manage a varied workload.

• Excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with councillors, residents and external organisations.

• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, (Word and Excel and Outlook), email and the use of websites.

• CiLCA qualified (preferred), or studying for it.

Remuneration includes:

A competitive salary in accordance with the National Association of Local Councils pay scale. Role grade LC2, SCP 22-28 depending on qualifications and experience and successful probationary period.

Nest Pension Scheme

Home working allowance
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To apply, please email your CV together with a short covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and including your contact details to: clerk@studhamparishcouncil.gov.uk

For further information call the clerk 07387 789897

Interviews: August 2026

NALC launches neighbourhood planning survey for parish and town councils

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The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has launched a survey for all parish and town councils in England that are currently leading and managing neighbourhood plans, and councils in Bedfordshire are invited to share their views and experiences.

The survey aims to build a clearer picture of the current state of neighbourhood planning across England. The survey will explore the status of existing neighbourhood plans, councils’ intentions to review or update them, the challenges they face in managing neighbourhood planning, and the impact of the recent withdrawal of government funding and support.

The findings will provide vital evidence to help shape NALC’s policy work and discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). In particular, the results will inform its response to the government’s forthcoming update to neighbourhood planning guidance and strengthen its case for ensuring parish and town councils continue to have the support they need to deliver effective neighbourhood plans for their communities.

Neighbourhood planning has played a significant role in helping local communities shape development and influence planning decisions since its introduction through the Localism Act 2011. However, at the end of the 2025/26 financial year, the government ended all general and technical support funding previously available to parish and town councils and neighbourhood forums for neighbourhood planning.

While the government has indicated that it has no plans to repeal neighbourhood planning legislation, NALC’s Policy Committee agreed that further evidence was needed to understand how parish and town councils are managing neighbourhood plans in the current environment and what support they may require in the future.

If your parish or town council is one of the 75 Bedfordshire councils currently managing a neighbourhood plan, you are encouraged to take part and complete the survey, here. The survey closes on 25 September 2026.