Chard TC Stakeholder Liaison Officer JD July 2025

Source page 1

CHARD TOWN COUNCIL
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Stakeholder Liaison Officer.
Salary Scale:
Grade and SCP 29 (£38,262) pro rata £23,488.78. (22.5 hours pw)
Hours of Work: Up to 22.5 hours per week, on a hybrid basis, plus attendance as appropriate at
evening and weekend meetings and engagements.
Type:
Initially a 12-month appointment, extendable by mutual agreement.
INTRODUCTION
Chard Town Council is a Town and Civil Parish on the southern boundary of Somerset near the
Devon and Dorset borders and has a rich history stemming from 1065 and earlier. It is one of the
Somerset Market Towns. The administrative purpose is to serve its population of about 14,000
residents, with expansion planned, although nearby settlements also look to Chard for facilities.
We have recently appointed a new Chief Executive & Town Clerk who has already established
change and is working on a reset of the Council to take it into a new era of improved services.
This post can have a significant impact and input into shaping a future that will reflect the
aspirations and values of our diverse community. We are striving to develop ambitious plans to be
implemented by a passionate community where Councillors and Staff work together with other
organisations to achieve a vibrant future for the whole town, including those living, working and
visiting. This is going to take the combined effort of the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The Stakeholder Liaison Officer is employed by the Council to foster relationships with
stakeholders in and outside our community, secure funding to promote schemes and projects and
assist in the distribution of grant monies. Assisting the development of positive relationships
between the Council the community we serve, the role will be demanding and require proven skills,
experience and the use of initiative in securing and distributing funding along with strong
interpersonal and communication abilities.
MAIN TASKS
1.
The Council is here to serve our community, and this is undertaken in a changing local
government landscape, An understanding of how Town Councils work and a belief in
our council developing aspirations and values. The post holder must be flexible to
react to these challenges.
2.

Raise the profile and awareness of our work as a Town Council by liaising and engaging
with the many voluntary sector groups based in and around Chard.

3.

Facilitate relationships with stakeholders in and outside our Chard area community.

4.

Assist in the investigation and development of the potential for proposals and
monitoring of youth services in Chard and to assist the Chief Executive & Town Clerk
at Steering Group meetings.

5.

Reporting via the Town Clerk, who will line-manage, but this is a post that requires
effective collaboration across organisations and teams to securing funding for
community and other projects.

6.

Assist in the implementation and development of an exciting new Chard
communications and information dissemination project KINDChard that has recently
been granted funding.

Source page 2

7.

Manage and assist communications for those in our community who visit the Guildhall
and who may not have access to a computer or online access.

8.

Assist, drive and inspire the set-up of a new Business Community Feedback Forum to
provide a voice of the Chard business community in relation to Council projects and
town centre commercial matters.

9.

General liaison within our community of stakeholders to facilitate economic growth of
the town including via the attraction of funding schemes.

10.

Supporting the general development of the Community and creation of a potential
Neighbourhood Plan.

11.

Support the day-to-day operational function of the Town Council, as required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & BEHAVIOURS
Essential and desirable criteria, not in any particular order.
❖ DBS check and experience of working with young people. E
❖ Ability to communicate clearly and engage with and influence potential stakeholders,
supporters and a wide area of networks, at all levels and age levels. E
❖ Proficiency with IT and computer-based information systems. E
❖ The vision and drive to promote the upcoming “KINDChard” knowledge, information
network and directory for keeping our community informed. E
❖ Think creatively and, if necessary, beyond traditional boundaries to maximise new
opportunities. E
❖ Work accurately and methodically to tight deadlines often with changing and competing
priorities. E
❖ Understanding of managing budgets D
❖ Delivering against targets. E
❖ Flexible and responsive to changing events and schedules, with a willingness to go the
extra mile to assist our community. E
❖ Work by the highest levels of integrity and commitment based on and beyond the Nolan
Principles of Public Life. E
❖ Demonstrable fundraising experience in a professional or voluntary role. E
❖ Existing connections with groups within our community and wider environment are
desirable but not essential e.g. schools, charities, Local Authorities and potential
supporters and stakeholders, particularly within Somerset would be an advantage D

Page 2 of 2