Town Clerk and Finance Officers; RFO

Council: Bournemouth Town Council and Poole Town Council

County: Dorset

We are looking to appoint two highly motivated and forward-thinking Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officers to help build and shape the governance, culture and delivery of high-quality local services for two brand new town councils for Bournemouth and Poole.

Following a community governance review and a decision of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on 14 October 2025, Bournemouth Town Council and Poole Town Council will be established on 1 April 2026
. This is a great opportunity for individuals wanting an exciting and rewarding challenge.

This is a rare career-defining opportunity to set standards, modernise processes, and create a council that is trusted, responsive and ambitious.

As well as managing the Council’s statutory requirements, the ideal candidate will have relevant experience with a track record of senior leadership within a public service and will hold a CiLCA qualification. They will be an excellent communicator who can demonstrate strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service and with the ability to think strategically and forge strong partnerships in the community.

The two councils will be amongst the largest town councils in England. With first year precepts of just under £2m each, there is scope for these new councils to have a significant impact.

Operational arrangements will be determined by the new councils following the elections in May 2026 but flexible working is expected, given the out of hours attendance at meetings, etc. The national terms and conditions agreement for clerks will apply and the post-holder will be eligible to join the local government pension scheme.

The Final date to receive applications is Monday 26 January 2026. Please indicate in your application if you wish to apply one of the roles or either role.

For more information on this excellent opportunity, please refer to the job description and person specification. Additional background information on the formation of these new councils is available in the reports to BCP Council on 14 October and 9 December 2025 which includes details of the precept for the first year.

For an informal discussion about the roles please contact Richard Jones, Head of Democratic Services, on

Bournemouth and Poole are vibrant coastal towns located on the south coast of England, within the ceremonial county of Dorset. They form part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) conurbation, one of the largest urban areas in the South-West, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, excellent transport links, and high quality of life.

Living and working in Bournemouth or Poole offers a unique blend of coastal lifestyle and urban convenience.

Bournemouth is famed for its seven miles of golden sandy beaches and beautiful gardens, a vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and diverse shopping and dining options. It’s a hub for digital, financial, and creative industries, with excellent schools and universities attracting students and professionals from across the UK and beyond.

Poole is distinguished by its maritime heritage, award‑winning Blue Flag beaches, and thriving water sports community. The town is home to major employers such as Sunseeker and the RNLI, and offers a more relaxed pace of life with easy access to the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck Hills to the west. Celebrated for its historic quay, picturesque Old Town, and the world’s second largest natural harbour, it has also played key roles in national events, including the D‑Day embarkations during World War II.

Together, they provide a wealth of opportunities for career growth, leisure, and family life, making the area an exceptional place to live and work.