Community minded folk needed for clerk roles in seven areas

Seven community councils in Orkney are seeking community minded folk to help them clerk meetings and keep communication running smoothly. 
 
Community Councils are the grassroots voice of local democracy in Orkney, offering communities a direct way to make their voices heard and raise issues that affect their parish or Island. They play a vital role in representing community interests, supporting local initiatives, and working with Orkney Islands Council, and other public bodies, to help guide the delivery of services and facilities. 
 
There are twenty community councils around Orkney – ten on the mainland and ten in the isles - and there are clerk vacancies in Eday, Evie & Rendall, Firth & Stenness, Orphir, Shapinsay, South Ronaldsay & Burray and Westray. 
 
Each community council holds around four meetings per year, with Clerks appointed to minute the meetings and assist the Chair.  
 
Community council clerks are paid on the basis of four meetings per year, with additional payment when extra meetings are required. Clerks also receive a phone allowance and are reimbursed for relevant expenses. 
 
Jenny McGrath is Community Council Liaison Officer at OIC. She says the role of Community Council Clerk would suit someone already familiar with their community but keen to know more or to get involved in the behind-the-scenes work supporting communities around Orkney: 
 
"Clerks are a really important part of a healthy community council. It’s a largely administrative role - so while you are not making key decisions, you are supporting the Chair and the smooth running of meetings so that members have all the information they need to make decisions. 
 
“It’s a great way for community minded folk to get more involved in their community and the behind-the-scenes work going on in their area. 
 
“It’s also an avenue for getting to know local folk better, which is always a bonus - it’s real shoulder-to-shoulder work which often leads to strong, long-lasting friendships forming. 
 
“The hours are flexible - meetings are in the evening, and correspondence can be done as and when suits you - so folk can fit the role in well around whatever other commitments they may have. 
 
“We currently have vacancies for Clerks in Eday, Evie & Rendall, Firth & Stenness, Orphir, Shapinsay, South Ronaldsay & Burray and Westray.  
 
“We’d love to hear from anyone in these areas, or anyone who’s generally interested in becoming a Clerk, as vacancies do arise from time to time. So, it’s always good to hear from folk who have an interest in getting involved.” 
 
Applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Office software and ideally have previous experience minuting meetings, though full training is provided. There’s also potential for Clerks to support more than one community council. 
 
Jenny says it’s a real ‘team Orkney’ experience: "Our office is always here to guide and support you if you’re unsure of anything or need some background on a local issue - we're here to help community councils support and better their communities. 
 
To request an application form, or for an informal chat about the vacancies and the role, contact Jenny McGrath on jenny.mcgrath@orkney.gov.uk or tel (01856) 873535 extension 2264. 

The closing date for applications for the current vacancies is 16 July.