Clerk & Monitoring Officer – Part Time

Apply to be our Clerk & Monitoring Officer today.

Hours: 156 Days per annum (average of 3 days a week to be worked flexibly to attend all meetings)

Salary: £106,828 per annum (£64,096 per annum pro-rata)

Closing Date: 12 Noon on 7 July 2025

Contract: Permanent

Location: Avon Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Portishead

Summary of role

An immediate opportunity exists to join Avon Fire Authority to fulfil the statutory role of Clerk & Monitoring Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service on a part time basis.  You will provide legal advice and information to Elected Members of the Fire Authority and the Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive of Avon Fire & Rescue Service to ensure appropriate governance and scrutiny arrangements and compliance with legislation. 

In addition to the relevant legal experience and public sector experience, we are seeking an individual who is committed to ensuring The Fire Authority are well informed and able to make appropriate decisions in the best interests of the public and the Authority.  The Clerk & Monitoring Officer is responsible for advising the Fire Authority on governance matters, ensuring papers are tabled in a timely manner and contain sufficient and accurate information to facilitate appropriate evidenced based decision making. 

You will live within a reasonable commuting distance of Avon Fire & Rescue Service HQ to attend all in-person meetings (no option to attend virtually) of the Service Leadership Board (SLB), Fire Authority and Committee meetings, the latter meetings are spread across the unitary authority area. You will provide legal advice and guidance at all meetings, ensuring accurate minutes are taken as a public record, along with the broadcasting of public meetings to increase openness and transparency. You will also devise and deliver training to Elected Members and staff to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and have a sound understanding of the work of the Fire Authority.

Avon Fire Authority has an annual budget of £62 million and employs c900 staff.  You will demonstrate a commitment to our Service values, possess sound communication skills and the ability to operate confidently, independently and with integrity.  You should also possess a detailed understanding of data protection law, in order to undertake the mandatory role of Data Protection Officer for the Authority. 

Download the full job description (159kB pdf)

How to apply

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing your skills and experience against the principal accountabilities and qualifications/experience listed within the job description.

Your application letter and CV should be submitted for the attention of The Chief Fire Officer, Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Police & Fire Headquarters, PO Box 37, Valley Road, Portishead, Bristol BS20 8JJ. Alternatively, you can email to [email protected] and copy in [email protected]

Applications are sought from candidates who possess the skills, experience and qualifications detailed on the job description.  Please do not apply if you do not match the criteria.  

Applications will be shortlisted by elected Members and, if shortlisted, candidates will be invited to attend a staff engagement forum and separate presentation and interview with elected Members.  Candidates must be available for both stages:

  • Staff engagement forum – w/c 21 July 2025
  • Presentation and interview – 28-30 July 2025

Additional information

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees.  All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check.  These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Read our Commitment to Safeguarding here (63kB pdf)

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