Interviewing for new clerk, now asking another parish councillor from another parish to be on panel to select new clerk

Question

I strange question but even odder is the reason why!!

We need a new clerk; our chairman has asked a parish councillor from 'another' parish to be on the panel to select the new clerk.

Is this legal or not?

The person who has been asked has been a PC for over 35 years and is very, very well respected in the community as a whole.

Does the parish that needs the new clerk not have to choose their own clerk?

It is odd, but maybe the PC's on the parish council needing hte new clerk haven't the experience to conduct an interview (which I doubt, but.......?!

Answer 1

There is nothing necessarily wrong with seeking outside advice on recruitment. It sounds as if the person in question could be helpful. The thing that does concern me is that the chairman has asked them. Unless this was authorised by the council, then it was inappropriate. No individual councillor can make any council decision, and the chairman is no different. Of course, if the chairman merely asked if the person would be willing, there is less of a concern.

Comments

Thank you counterpoint; yes the person will make sure that the full council has authorised this

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A few months ago we went through the process of appointing a new clerk. We had an officer from our local Association of Local Councils to sit in and advise. There were at pains to explain they can't take part in the decision making process, but are there just to advise on technical and legal matters.
I presume this would hold true for your friendly cllr that you might bring in.

I would also suggest that you try to anticipate the candidates questions and make sure you know the correct answers, or at least ensure that they are followed up on asap after the interviews. I say that because we ended up in a complete pickle over some financial matters related to our new clerk.

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Interesting comments but it has all been done now with the consent of the majority of the PC's. Theperson being asked has many years of interviews, is of a very high standing, and cannot be swayed any way so her comments and  will be  totally objective. Indeed some high ranking residents are delighted that a person outside has been asked to help. She has all the necessary and pertinent questions used over many years. But thanks Caroline for comment. It's good to share!

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Glad it's working out well!