TOWN CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER (RFO)
Overview
The Town Council is seeking a successor for the current incumbent, Richard Farhall, who will be retiring in March, after 26 years’ service.
Rye is a small, historic market town, on the East Sussex-Kent coastal border, with a population of around 4,500. It is a popular visitor destination with a strong sense of community – and is one of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports’ two Antient Towns.
The Parish is fortunate to have a wide range of voluntary and community groups. The Town Council endeavours to support – and maintain good working relationships with – as many of them as possible.
The Town Council comprises 16 Members and any vacancies tend to be filled quickly. As with most councils at this level, Members try to ensure that Council business is conducted free of party politics.
The Council needs a Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who can manage its statutory responsibilities, lead the staff team, maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations – and steer the Council through local government re-organisation, as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can demonstrate both management skills and the ability to think strategically.
The successful candidate will hold – or will be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).
Assets, functions and services
The Council’s property includes:
• The Town Hall (Grade II*)
• The Town Hall Cottage (Grade II)
• A house let at a discounted rent
• The Rye Heritage Centre (Grade II) – let to a charity
• Rye Leisure Centre and Pool – let to a charity facilitated by the Council
• Two statutory allotment sites
• The Freda Gardham Playing Field – leased to Rye Rugby FC
• Rye Skate Park
• A small amenity area
• The Spirit of Rye Millennium Wall
• Street furniture
• Civic regalia
The Rye Town Steward Service was established by the Council 12 years ago in response to principal authorities reducing expenditure on maintaining the public domain. It currently comprises two members of staff and operates from an industrial unit nearby. It remains the Council’s most popular service and exists to supplement – not replace – the services provided by the County and District Councils.
Since summer 2024, the Town Council has run two public conveniences that were closed by the District Council.
Sources of revenue other than the precept include hosting weddings/ceremonies at the Town Hall (which now exceed 100pa) and Ghost Walks with the Town Crier.
The (Antient) Town of Rye is a member of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports and the local administrative obligations are undertaken by the Town Council.
The Town Council is the sole managing trustee of Rye Relief in Need – which exists to help parishioners who are in ‘need, hardship or distress’.
Aside from the Town Clerk, the Town Council employs currently:
• Deputy Town Clerk
• Administrative Assistant
• Town Steward
• Senior Town Steward
• Town Hall Keeper
• Town Hall Attendants
• Town Sergeant
• Second Macebearer
• Town Crier
• Deputy Town Crier
It is likely that the Government will shortly approve the proposed new unitary council for East Sussex. This will provide an opportunity for the Town Council to take back some of the District Council assets in Rye that would normally sit under a Town Council – especially open spaces and playgrounds/areas. The District Council has offered to transfer a number of its Rye assets.
Town Clerk – Person Specification
Town Clerk – Terms and Conditions Summary
Please note that previous applicants need not re-apply.
The closing date for completed application forms is midnight on Sunday 8 February 2026. We are aiming to hold interviews on Monday 16 February 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Completed application forms should be emailed to the Deputy Town Clerk – jessica.neame@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk
If you have any questions about the role please contact the Town Clerk, Richard Farhall on 01797 223902 or at richard.farhall@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk