Source: Leadership Quotes, 2011
THE LEADERSHIP
QUALITIES OF
TOWN/PARISH CLERKS
PRESENTATION
By
TRACEY WEAVER
July 2012
Agenda

Reason for study

Dissertation aims & objectives

Literature review

Hypotheses and Research

Methodology


Results
Conclusion/Recommendations

Questions
Reasons for Study

Personal development

Understanding the leadership function in
the clerks role

Guidance and standardisation
What is Leadership?
Northouse (2003: 3) defines
leadership as “a process whereby
an individual influences a group of
individuals to achieve a common
goal”
Dissertation Aims & Objectives
Aim – To establish that leadership is a recognised
function in the role of a town/parish clerk.
Objectives –
 Research leadership theories
 Leadership qualities in the role of a clerk
 Leadership resources
 To provide guidance
Literature Review

Leadership

Role of the town/parish clerk

Leadership theories and styles
“leaders and followers make each other advance to a higher level of moral and
motivation." (Burns: 1978).

Servant-leadership vs Leadership
“It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to
serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings
one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply
different from one who is leader first, perhaps
because of the need to assuage an unusual power
drive or to acquire material possessions…The
leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme
types. Between them there are shadings and
blends that are part of the infinite variety of human
nature.” (Greenleaf, 1970).
Hypotheses
“Town/parish clerks have a servant-leadership
role within town/parish councils”
Research Questions

The importance of leadership in the role of
the clerk

Is leadership in the role of the clerk
recognised by councils

Leadership qualities of the clerk

Is there a lack of resources
Research Methodology

Secondary research

Primary research
- Quantitative questionnaire
- Qualitative interviews
- Comparison study of clerks job
descriptions
Initial Research Results
Map showing the Geographical
Representation of Responses from
each District in Devon.
11.25%
10.00%
A total of 81 response were received
out 357.
20.00%
25.00%
6.25%
0%
8.75%
18.75%
Devon County Council, 2011
Do you think leadership is
important in the role of a
town/parish clerk?
yes
no
4%
did not answer
23%
73%
Is leadership mentioned
in your job description?
yes
10%
no
5%
did not answer
85%
Importance of Leadership
“The Clerk has great influence of knowledge and time
spent and if used with tact Members will be influenced.”
(Respondent No. 4).
“Sometimes it is necessary to lead and guide the Parish
Council to achieve the goals they have set.” (Respondent
No. 9).
“The council leads; I try to influence them to do the right
thing efficiently, but not by leading.” (Respondent No. 67).
“As the 'expert' resource to the Council and the
responsible officer there are many instances where you
need to steer/guide/lead on policy/projects/planning etc
and have the long term vision too.” (Respondent No. 23).
Ho
C n
Kn o n est
ow fid y
le enc
dg e
In e a
te ble
llig
en
ce
Ab
i
Li lity
st
en
e
Do r
in
St g
r
Fa ong
irn
es
s
Vi
s
Re ion
W s
Co ill pe c
in
t
Pe mp g n
Ta op ass ess
Co
ke le ion
m
pl
cr or i a t
y
iti en e
wi
cis ta
th
m ted
ru
/a
le
En d vi
s
an th ce
d
u
pr sia
oc sm
ed
ur
M
e
ot
P
iva as s
t in s io
g
n
ot
In he
no r s
va
t iv
e
Which of the following qualities do
you think makes a good leader?
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Do you think there are enough resources on leadership
to help town/parish clerks?
35
30
25
20
15
Not relevant
10
No
5
Yes
Training
Published
Literature
Government
Guidance
0
Conclusion/Recommendations

Standardised job description.

leadership programmes to include the first tier
of local government.

Specific training on leadership within the
sector

The SLCC, ILCM, UOG and NALC to continue
further studies including:
- is leadership viable and relevant to all P&T clerks.
- do elected members recognise leadership within the P&T clerk’s role.
- should there be more training on leadership available to local councils.
Discussion/Questions
Source: Cheshire Home Choice, 2011
Bibliography – Key literature
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[Accessed 13/01/12]
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The End……