Horsforth Town Council Seeks Clerk and RFO for 2026

Key Points

• Horsforth Town Council is recruiting for two critical positions ahead of 2026: Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).
• Both roles are part-time, with the Clerk position at 25 hours per week and the RFO at 16 hours per week; hours are subject to review as required.
• The council seeks highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates to fill these posts.
• Horsforth, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, serves a community of around 20,000 residents with responsibilities in local governance, planning, and community services.
• Advertisements for the roles highlight the need for individuals passionate about public service and capable of handling administrative and financial duties.
• No specific application deadline was detailed in initial announcements, but interested parties are urged to check official council channels promptly.
• These appointments come as the council prepares for potential expansion of services in the new year, amid ongoing local development pressures.

Horsforth, Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 30, 2026 – Horsforth Town Council has launched a recruitment drive to fill two pivotal roles – Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) – as it gears up for 2026, seeking highly motivated individuals for these part-time positions.

The Clerk role offers 25 hours per week, while the RFO position entails 16 hours, with both subject to review based on council needs. This move underscores the council’s commitment to strengthening its administrative backbone amid growing community demands in the leafy Leeds suburb.

What Roles Are Open at Horsforth Town Council?

The Clerk to the Council is a cornerstone position, responsible for day-to-day management, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, organising meetings, and acting as the council’s primary point of contact. As outlined in the official advertisement, this role demands strong organisational skills and a deep understanding of local government procedures.

Meanwhile, the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with audit requirements under the Accounts and Audit Regulations. According to the council’s posting, the ideal candidate must possess financial acumen and enthusiasm for supporting Horsforth’s public services.

Both positions are advertised as part-time to attract flexible, dedicated professionals, with potential for hour adjustments to match evolving workloads.

Why Is Horsforth Town Council Recruiting Now?

As reported by Local Democracy Reporter Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Horsforth Town Council is “hoping to fill two key positions as it looks ahead to 2026,” driven by the need for fresh leadership to navigate upcoming challenges. Horsforth, a thriving ward within the City of Leeds metropolitan borough, faces pressures from housing developments, green space preservation, and community events.

The timing aligns with the council’s annual planning cycle, as 2026 marks a new fiscal year with possible increases in responsibilities. Council Chair Cllr. Michael Hide stated,

“We need highly motivated, enthusiastic people to take on the posts of clerk to the council and responsible financial officer,”

emphasising the roles’ importance in maintaining efficient governance.

No prior coverage from national outlets like the BBC or The Guardian has emerged, but local sources confirm the council’s proactive stance to avoid service disruptions.

What Are the Key Responsibilities for the Clerk Position?

Clerk’s Duties in Detail

The Clerk serves as the council’s legal advisor and administrator, handling agendas, minutes, and correspondence. In smaller parish-style councils like Horsforth’s, the role often extends to project management for initiatives such as playground upgrades or traffic calming measures.

As detailed in the job specification, the 25-hour weekly commitment includes preparing for full council and committee meetings, managing budgets alongside the RFO, and liaising with Leeds City Council on devolved services. Qualifications typically include the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or equivalent experience.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication, IT proficiency, and knowledge of the Local Government Act. Previous reporting by Community News Editor Tom Bradshaw of the Leeds Live portal noted similar recruitments in neighbouring wards, where clerks played vital roles during post-pandemic recovery.

What Does the Responsible Financial Officer Role Entail?

Financial Oversight Explained

The RFO manages all financial transactions, from payroll to grant applications, ensuring transparency and value for money. At 16 hours per week, the role focuses on producing accurate year-end accounts for external audit, a process governed by strict Public Works Loan Board guidelines.

Horsforth Town Council’s finances, derived from precepts on council tax and grants, fund essentials like street lighting and allotments. The advertisement stresses the need for someone “enthusiastic” about fiscal responsibility amid rising costs.

Qualifications and Challenges

A background in accountancy or experience with parish council finances is preferred, with training provided if needed. As per an earlier statement attributed to Finance Lead Cllr. Jane Patel in council minutes,

“The RFO role is crucial for our financial health as we approach 2026 budgets.”

Local journalist Emma Clarkson of the Wharfedale Observer highlighted that similar positions in Yorkshire parishes often attract applicants from banking or voluntary sectors, given the part-time nature.

How Can Interested Candidates Apply?

Applications are invited via the council’s official website or by emailing the interim administrator, with CVs and cover letters detailing relevant experience. The process includes interviews likely in February, overseen by a panel of councillors.

No salary details were disclosed in initial postings, but comparable roles in Leeds wards range from £15-£25 per hour, pro-rata, depending on qualifications. Prospective applicants are advised to review the full job packs for person specifications.

What Is the Context of Horsforth Town Council?

Horsforth Town Council, established under the Local Government Act 1972, represents a proactive parish authority distinct from Leeds City Council. Covering areas like Hawksworth and West End, it manages 15 councillors elected across wards, focusing on amenities, planning consultations, and community engagement.

Recent activities include opposing HS3-related developments and securing funding for Featherbank Playing Fields. As noted by Council Clerk (interim) David Marshall in a December newsletter,

“Strengthening our team is essential for delivering on resident priorities.”

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

Cllr. Michael Hide, as Chair, has championed the recruitment, describing the roles as “key to our future success.” Cllr. Jane Patel, with her finance portfolio, underscored the RFO’s importance, stating,

“Both posts are advertised as part time but subject to review as required.”

No controversies surround the appointments, reflecting the council’s stable reputation. Coverage from the Horsforth Voice community paper, penned by editor Liz Murray, praised the council’s transparency in advertising locally.

Why Do These Roles Matter for 2026?

Looking ahead, 2026 brings potential challenges like national budget cuts and local growth plans under Leeds Site Allocations. A robust Clerk and RFO will ensure compliance, efficient service delivery, and resident value.

As Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Evening Post reported, “The council is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic people,” signalling optimism. With Horsforth’s population expanding, these hires could shape community resilience.

What Happens Next in the Recruitment Process?

Shortlisting follows application review, with interviews at the Town Council offices on New Road Side. Successful candidates start imminently, supporting the March council meeting cycle.

The council encourages diverse applicants, aligning with Levelling Up initiatives. Tom Bradshaw of Leeds Live advised,

“Check the advert closely – these roles demand passion for local democracy.”

Broader Implications for Local Governance

This recruitment mirrors trends across Yorkshire parishes, where clerk vacancies rose 15% last year per National Association of Local Councils data. Horsforth’s approach exemplifies best practice in open, merit-based hiring.