Parish Staff

The Clerk is the Proper Officer of the council, the Responsible Financial Officer and line manager to all other staff. The clerk carries out the statutory functions of the Proper Officer, prepares and issues public notices, the summons to Councillors and agendas and prepares the draft minutes and

• with the chairman, ensures the council makes legal decisions, acts within the law and that effective meetings are held.
• Provides the council with the appropriate, independent and objective information it needs to make effective decisions.
• Gives advice and implements policy.
• Implements the council's decisions.
• Manages the council's resources in an efficient and effective manner.
• Provides the council with administrative support, keeping records, dealing with correspondence, writing letters and reports, managing elections and casual vacancies, managing property and also projects.
• Represents the council when dealing with the media, the public or other organisations.
• Prepares financial reports to the Finance Committee and Council.
• Prepares draft annual budget and monitors it during the year.
• Carries out the payroll.
• Prepares and balance final accounts and produce accounts and records for external audit in accordance with the current Audit and Accounts Regulations.
• Undertakes internal audits of all aspects of the Council's financial affairs and monitors compliance with the Council's Financial Regulations.

The Administration and Committee Clerk looks after Environment Committee and Planning Committee, and handles all administration for the Burial Ground at All Saints Church. The Administration and Committee Clerk provides some cover for the Clerk in their absence.

Email: office@longashtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Ruth's responsibilities are develop and deliver positive, proactive marketing and communications to build active engagement from local communities, and raise awareness of the Council and the Parish amongst local people and visitors alike.

The Village Ranger proactively addresses maintenance needs for all Parish Council assets, including Parish Council premises, land, and any other physical assets. They are responsible for a variety of tasks related to maintaining community safety, cleanliness, and well-being within Long Ashton and Leigh Woods.

The Village Ranger looks after street furniture, signage, and other assets. They arrange for removal, cleaning, or repairs of vandalism, graffiti or untidy areas across the parish. They report fly-tipped items and remove litter, ensuring proper disposal and reporting hazardous situations. The Village Ranger manages the litter and dog bins, and surveys grit bins annually.

The Village Ranger also carries out some grounds maintenance, including planting, minor landscaping, and weed clearance.

The Village Ranger inspects public rights of way, cutting back vegetation, and makes minor repairs to ensure local paths are usable. They regularly maintain equipment, keeping tools and equipment in good order. Occasionally, they assist with Parish Council equipment and activities, including setup and occasional weekend work.

Upholding a positive image of the Parish Council, fostering professional relationships, and engaging with the community are key aspects of the Village Ranger role. The Village Ranger ensures health and safety compliance, including risk assessments and method statements.

The Village Ranger provides monthly written reports on work carried out and planned maintenance. They also create an annual schedule of works for approval.

The general remit is to keep the villages looking clean and tidy - litter pick in Leigh Woods and Long Ashton, maintain the supply of dog waste bags by the bins, check on the grit bins, make sure the notice boards, bus shelters, seats are tidy and in good condition and look out for overgrowing vegetation.