PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK FOR MORE INFORMATION
Recruitment Pack – Cemetery Clerk (8 hours per week)
1. Job Advertisement
Cemetery Clerk – Barnton Parish Council
8 hours per week
Salary: NJC SCP 13–17 (£15.06 – £16.08 per hour)
Annual salary: £6,265 + pension contribution
Barnton Parish Council is seeking to appoint a Cemetery Clerk to manage all administrative and statutory functions relating to Barnton Cemetery. This is a key role requiring accuracy, compassion, professionalism, and the ability to work independently.
The post is office-based on Fridays, with flexibility to work from the cemetery site or the office at other times as required.
The successful candidate will be responsible for cemetery administration, statutory record-keeping, liaison with funeral directors and families, financial processing, and ensuring the cemetery is managed in accordance with legislation and best practice.
This is a rewarding and meaningful role supporting bereaved families and ensuring the cemetery is maintained to a high standard.
2. Job Description – Cemetery Clerk
Post Title: Cemetery Clerk
Responsible to: Parish Clerk / Parish Council
Hours: 8 hours per week
Location: Office-based Fridays; flexible working from site/office as required
Salary: NJC SCP 13–17
Main Purpose of the Role
To manage all administrative, statutory, financial and operational processes relating to Barnton Cemetery, ensuring compliance with legislation and providing a professional, sensitive service to the public.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Fees and Charges
- Review cemetery fees annually.
- Issue updated charges to funeral directors and other stakeholders following council approval.
2. Point of Contact
- Act as the primary contact for all cemetery enquiries from the public, funeral directors, stonemasons, solicitors, and other authorities.
3. Attendance at Funerals
- Attend the cemetery by arrangement to witness funerals outside office hours when required.
4. Records and Registers
- Complete and maintain cemetery software, statutory registers, and all legal documentation.
- Ensure all records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with legislation.
5. Legal Documentation
- Prepare and issue Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB) documents, transfer paperwork, and other legal forms prior to burials.
6. Financial Administration
- Prepare and issue invoices and receipts.
- Bank receipts monthly and balance cemetery accounts.
- Maintain financial records for internal and external audit.
7. Memorials
- Approve new memorials, inscriptions, and fixings in accordance with regulations.
- Collect associated fees.
8. Safety and Inspections
- Arrange inspections of unsafe memorials and manage any resulting actions.
9. Grounds and Maintenance
- Liaise with the cemetery maintenance contractor.
- Arrange construction of new plinths, paths, or infrastructure as required.
10. Exhumations
- Process requests for exhumation of cremated remains and complete Ministry of Justice paperwork.
11. New Burial Ground
- When required, arrange for new burial areas to be surveyed and consecrated in liaison with the Bishop of Chester’s office.
12. Liaison
- Work with funeral directors, registrars, grave diggers, neighbouring councils, and other stakeholders.
13. Public Searches
- Conduct cemetery register searches for the public, funeral directors, and solicitors.
14. Other Duties
- Undertake any other duties necessary for the effective management of the cemetery and associated grounds.
3. Person Specification
Essential
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage own workload
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to deal sensitively and professionally with bereaved families
- Competent IT skills, including use of databases or software systems
- Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information
- Willingness to work occasionally outside normal office hours
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations and procedures
Desirable
- Experience in cemetery administration or bereavement services
- Knowledge of local government procedures
- Experience with financial administration and audit preparation
- Familiarity with cemetery software systems
- Understanding of memorial safety regulations
- Experience liaising with funeral directors and stonemasons
4. Terms and Conditions
- Hours: 8 per week
- Working pattern: Fridays in the office; flexible additional hours as required
- Salary: NJC SCP 13–17 (£15.06–£16.08 per hour)
- Annual salary: £6,265
- Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (approx. £1,300 employer contribution)
- Contract: Permanent after a probationary period of 6 months
- Location: Barnton Parish Council Office & Barnton Cemetery
- Training: Provided as required, for example cemetery management, memorial safety and software
5. How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A completed application form
- A covering letter explaining how they meet the person specification
- Contact details for two referees
Applications should be sent to:
Clerk to the Council
Barnton Parish Council
Clerks office, Barnton Cemetery
Hayes Drive
Barnton
CW8 4JX
clerk@barnton-pc.gov.uk
Closing date for applications: 29th July 2026
Interviews to be held: Week commencing 10th August 2026