About The Role
Parish Clerk and Proper Officer of the Council - Chigwell Parish Council
External Partner
Permanent, Full Time
£46,731-£50,788 per annum, plus public sector pension and benefits
Location: Chigwell
Closing Date: 25th September 2025
Essex County Council are delighted to be advertising the role of Parish Clerk and Proper Officer of the Council, on behalf of Chigwell Parish Council.
Are you an experienced leader with the vision, drive and integrity to make a real difference?
If so, this is your chance to step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of local democracy where your strategic thinking, people management skills and public service will directly shape the future of Chigwell.
Chigwell Parish Council are seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Parish Clerk and Proper Officer to lead the strategic, operational and statutory functions of our Parish Council. The Parish Clerk and Proper Officer is not a traditional clerical role, you’ll be the Council’s Chief Executive.
We are seeking a highly capable individual to lead our team, manage major budgets, drive projects, ensure compliance and guide elected members on complex legal and strategic decisions. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, challenge and purpose.
The Role:
- Leadership at the Highest Local Level - the successful applicant will be the Council’s most senior officer, with full responsibility for strategy, staffing, governance, finance and service delivery
- Shape a Community’s Future - support Councillors in developing innovative policies and leading transformational projects
- Real Influence and Tangible Results - see the direct impact of your work on residents, infrastructure, and local wellbeing
- Collaborative, Values-Driven Culture - work alongside passionate elected members, staff and partners committed to sustainability, inclusivity and progress
- Professional Growth - build your qualifications and leadership credentials with access to training, professional support and the opportunity to earn sector specific certifications (e.g. CiLCA, IOSH)
Person Specification:
A confident and creative leader, calm under pressure and passionate about public service. You bring integrity, diplomacy and a people-first mindset to every decision. You’re equally comfortable advising Councillors in a meeting as you are shaping the Council’s next five-year plan or guiding a local stakeholder partnership
Essential/Desirable Criteria:
- A strong general education (minimum 3 A-levels and 5 GCSEs incl. English & Maths).
- Proven leadership and strategic planning experience in a complex, regulated environment.
- Direct responsibility for managing teams, operations, and a budget of at least £300K.
- Skilled in financial planning, compliance and writing reports that shape decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - you’ll be the voice and face of the Council.
- Highly competent in IT (Microsoft 365, Teams, digital tools like Copilot).
- A clear understanding of governance, transparency, data protection and public accountability
- CiLCA or a qualification in Community Governance.
- IOSH/NEBOSH certification
- Project management qualifications or experience delivering public-facing projects.
- Familiarity with local government law, planning systems and FOI/GDPR frameworks.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends
- Full, clean UK driving licence
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
About Chigwell Parish Council? The Parish of Chigwell is located in the Southwest of the Epping Forest District. The Parishes of Buckhurst Hill and Loughton border it to the North and the Parish of Lambourne to the East. The Western and Southern borders are within the London Borough of Redbridge. For more information click HERE.
For more information on this role please email
[email protected] or Telephone - 020 8501 4275
