How to recruit a clerk

Last reviewed on 6 June 2022
School types: Maintained · School phases: All
Ref: 3353

Get everything you need to recruit your next clerk. Find out how to run the process from start to finish, including guidance on advertising, interviews and making the appointment.

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Contents

  1. You must have a clerk
  2. Check what support is available to you
  3. Plan ahead
  4. Get your recruitment pack ready
  5. Advertise the vacancy
  6. Get a selection panel together
  7. Shortlist candidates
  8. Request references
  9. Hold interviews 
  10. Appoint the successful candidate

You must have a clerk

This applies to both maintained schools and academies. 

This is explained on page 46 of the Governance Handbook.

Check what support is available to you

Speak to your local authority (LA) or trust

You might not need to do the whole recruitment process under your own steam.

Speak to your LA or trust to see if they:

  • Will appoint a clerk for you
  • Have a recommended process you should follow
  • Have specific recruitment literature they want you to use
  • Can support you during the process
  • Can help you with advertising 
  • Can put you in touch with any clerking services

For example, Torbay Council’s clerks toolkit sets out its recommended process for recruiting a clerk.

Decide whether to use a clerking service

This might be through your LA, or by getting in touch with an independent clerking service.

For example:

Please note: the

Read next

Also in 'Clerk to the governing board'