Local councils are the heartbeat of our communities, yet the journey to becoming a town or parish clerk often starts unexpectedly. At a recent webinar, clerks shared stories of serendipitous career shifts, valuable lessons learned, and how their passion for community drives them to tackle the varied and sometimes chaotic demands of the job.
Emma Payne: From Cruise Ships to Council Chambers
Emma Payne, Town Clerk at Stotfold Town Council, embodies the accidental clerk narrative. After a career at P&O Cruises and running a small business, Emma stumbled into local government through a casual conversation with a parish council chair. The role was pitched as "just taking minutes and writing a few letters" — but Emma quickly discovered it involved far more, including tackling three years' worth of overdue AGARs and managing community assets.
Emma shared her achievements, including overseeing a staff restructure that doubled her team from seven to 15, relocating the town's library, and introducing modern record-keeping systems like SharePoint. Her leadership approach balances tradition and innovation, and she emphasized the importance of reflection: "We rarely stop to look back at how far we’ve come."
Key Advice from Emma for New Clerks
- Keep Learning: Attend webinars, training, and SLCC branch meetings to build knowledge and networks.
- Build Relationships: Engage with clerks, councillors, and community leaders to foster collaboration.
- Stay Organized: Use tools like task lists and calendars to manage the myriad demands of the role.
- Balance Tradition and Innovation: Embrace modern practices while respecting established processes.
Samuel Dickins: A Fresh Perspective in Local Governance
At just 26 years old, Samuel Dickins, Deputy Clerk at Wareham Town Council, offers a fresh lens on local government. With a background in student unions, Samuel brings a strategic mindset and enthusiasm for community impact. His entry into the sector was intentional but still felt like a leap of faith, and he's already making strides, from tackling public toilet renovations to fostering engagement.
Samuel's mantra? Don’t fear failure. “I probably mess something up every day,” he admitted, “but nobody dies, and nothing goes too wrong. It’s all a learning experience.”
Key Takeaways from Samuel
- Embrace the Unexpected: The variety and challenges of the role are what make it rewarding.
- Experiment Boldly: Small risks can lead to big improvements, even if they sometimes fail.
- Pause to Reflect: Take time to appreciate what you’ve achieved, even if your to-do list is still long.
- Learn on the Job: Use real-life challenges as opportunities to build skills and knowledge.
Mentorship: A Bridge Between Experience and Fresh Energy
Nicola Gray, Samuel's mentor, highlighted the value of fostering supportive relationships. “Having someone who has your back makes all the difference,” she shared, adding that Samuel’s fresh energy has reinvigorated their team. For seasoned clerks like Nicola, mentoring provides an opportunity to pass on hard-earned wisdom while benefiting from the innovative ideas of newer colleagues.
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Insights for Clerks at All Levels
Whether you're a new clerk navigating your first meetings or a seasoned veteran, these stories remind us that local government thrives on a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. From managing crises to modernising systems, clerks play a pivotal role in shaping their communities.
Practical Tips from the Discussion
- Start with ILCA: The Introduction to Local Council Administration (ILCA) course is an excellent entry point for new clerks.
- Pursue CiLCA: While more demanding, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) deepens your understanding and opens doors for professional growth.
- Find a Mentor: Experienced clerks can offer invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of the role.
- Leverage Technology: Tools like CloudyIT's decision software or SharePoint can streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
A Community of Learning
The webinar concluded with a call to action: connect, share, and mentor. Whether you’re a new clerk looking for guidance or a veteran ready to share your expertise, fostering a strong network ensures that the vital work of local councils continues to flourish.
As Emma said, "Reflect on your journey and celebrate how far you've come." In local government, every challenge overcome is a step forward for your community.
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Re-Watch the Webinar
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