The Northamptonshire Police, Fire, and Crime (NPFC) Panel is seeking three dedicated and passionate individuals to serve as independent members on the Panel from June 2024 until May 2028. The Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) is responsible for overseeing the delivery and performance of police and fire services. The NPFC Panel, consisting of ten councillors from West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council, along with three independent members, ensures accountability and transparency in decision-making processes of police and fire services. Information about the independent member role and a link to the online application form is available at https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/councillors-and-committees/northamptonshire-police-fire-and-crime-panel. The application period closes on 21 April 2024.
Year End Looms
PKF Littlejohn, the external auditor for all parish and town councils and parish meetings in Northamptonshire, issued its detailed instructions this week by email to all parishes in Northamptonshire. Clerks should check their spam traps if they didn’t receive it or can contact SBA@pkf-l.com to request a resend. The detailed instructions, guidance, and Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) forms are also available at https://www.pkf-l.com/services/limited-assurance-regime/useful-information-and-links/. And on Wednesday this week the Practitioner’s Guide 2024 was published. It provides comprehensive guidance on year-end procedures, which parishes must follow. You will find your free copy of the Practitioner’s Guide 2024, as well as a changes document at https://www.northantscalc.com/practitioners-guide. The 2024 edition applies to the 2024/25 financial year but may be applied in preparing the AGAR for the year ending 31 March 2024.
Local Council Vacancies
The vacancies below have been previously advertised but there is still time to apply. We are also aware of five further upcoming vacancies across Northamptonshire, so if you or anyone you know is interested in joining the best tier of local government please ask them to get in touch (dmoody@northantscalc.com) to discuss upcoming opportunities.
Aynho Parish Council has an immediate vacancy for an Interim Clerk on a fixed term contract for six months. The council would like the support of an experienced and ideally CiLCA qualified clerk to lead the council’s development and to assist with the recruitment of a permanent clerk. The Interim Clerk’s position is for 7 hours per week at £20 per hour. The council has a separate Responsible Finance Officer, so the Interim Clerk’s duties exclude accounts and end of year procedures. Aynho Parish Council has 9 councillors and there are just under 500 electors. The precept for 2024/25 is £30,318. For a conversation about the role, or to express an interest, please contact the Acting Clerk, Les Horley, at clerk@aynho.org or telephone 01869 810209. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 25 March 2024.
Little Harrowden Parish Council has a vacancy for a Clerk/RFO working 20 hours per month. The council has 770 electors, 9 councillors, and a precept of £28,560. The deadline for applications is 26 April 2024.
Northampton Town Council has a vacancy for fulltime (37 hours per week) Events and Projects Officer (Maternity Cover) on a fixed-term contract for 14 months. The position attracts a salary of £33,945 – £37,336 and the deadline for applications is 28 March 2024.
Weldon is a growing community to the east of Corby. Weldon Parish Council has a vacancy for a Clerk/RFO working 20 hours per week. This proactive council has 11 councillors and a precept of £115,000. There are 5,262 electors. The deadline for applications is 5 April 2024.
Upton Parish Council has a vacancy for a Clerk/RFO working 20 hours per week. The council has a precept of £57,540, there are 11 councillors and just under 5,500 electors. The closing date for applications is 5 April 2024.
Also, see vacancies at Spratton Parish Council (15 hours per week, closing date 31 March 2024), Great Addington Parish Council (5 hours per week, closing date 30 March 2024), and Pilton, Stoke Doyle & Wadenhoe Parish Council (4 hours per week. Closing date 5pm on 28 March 2024).