Meet the team: Ian

Ian is the council’s Deputy Town Clerk. He’s lived in Dorset all his life and grew up in Blandford. 

Being the Deputy Town Clerk is a very varied role that supports the strategic leadership of the council. Ian has to have an overview of all the services the council operates, and he supports staff to deliver these services. Managing the council’s finances, which includes budget setting and monitoring is also a big part of the role. Ian makes sure the annual Statement of Accounts and governance arrangements are completed ready for audit inspections each year. 

When required, Ian also deputises for the Town Clerk. He said: “One of the most rewarding public-facing events I have attended while deputising for the Town Clerk was at the annual Remembrance Day service and parade that is held at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade. 

“It’s a big event in the council’s calendar and it was a great privilege to be able to attend.”

Favourite thing about working for the council? “Working for Weymouth Town Council from the start has been a really enjoyable challenge and one of the best things about the role is being able to shape and develop a brand new council, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity,“ Ian says. “Although we are one of the largest in the country we have a small workforce. So having worked within the Dorset Councils Partnership, which was a very large organisation, one of the best things I enjoy most about working for Weymouth Town Council is being part of that small team where you interact with everyone on a daily basis. You work directly with the local community that the council serves and you feel that you are making a real difference to the town, its residents and the people who come and visit. I am also very fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with our councillors who also do so much for the town.”   

Prior to joining the council Ian worked in local government for over 30 years starting his career as a finance trainee with North Dorset District Council. He went on to become a chartered accountant and is a fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. 

“I stayed at North Dorset District Council as its Chief Finance Officer until it came together with West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, where I then worked in Dorchester within the Dorset Councils Partnership. When Weymouth Town Council was formed as part of the local government reorganisation in Dorset, I joined as its Business and Finance Manager and became Deputy Town Clerk in August 2021,” adds Ian.