The Parish Clerk is the Chief Executive and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) of the Parish Council. They ensure the Council operates legally, transparently, and effectively — from governance and finance to project delivery and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing agendas, minutes, and reports
• Managing staff, contractors, and parish assets
• Overseeing budgets, procurement, and compliance
• Supporting councillors with professional advice
• Coordinating with district and county authorities
• Responding to residents’ enquiries
• Delivering long‑term projects and strategic planning

• Why the Role Matters

The Clerk is the Council’s operational backbone. They turn Councillors’ decisions into action, maintain continuity, and ensure the community receives reliable, lawful, and responsive services.

• How the Clerk Supports the Community

Through daily contact with residents, partnership working, and oversight of parish facilities, the Clerk helps shape Pulborough’s development — ensuring local voices are heard and local needs are met.

Meet Pulborough Parish Council’s Clerk, Oliver Last

Pulborough is entering a period of significant change — from major community projects to long‑term planning for growth and resilience. At the centre of this work is Oliver ‘Oli’ Last, Clerk to Pulborough Parish Council. Pulborough Post sat down with him to explore the role, the priorities, and his hopes for the village’s future.

Q: For residents who may not know, how would you describe the role of a Parish Clerk?

Oli: The Clerk is essentially the engine room of the Parish Council. I’m responsible for ensuring the Council operates legally, transparently, and effectively. That includes governance, finance, staff management, project oversight, and supporting Councillors in their decision‑making.

It’s also a public‑facing role. Residents come to us with questions, concerns, and ideas, and I see it as my job to make sure they feel heard and supported.

Q: What are your main responsibilities day‑to‑day?

Oli: No two days are the same which is what I love about the role, but typically I’m drafting agendas and reports, managing budgets and contracts, coordinating with partner authorities, supporting staff, responding to residents, and progressing long‑term projects.

It’s a mix of administration, project management, community engagement, and strategic planning.

Q: How do you work with Parish Councillors, and how does that relationship support both your role and the community?

Oli: The partnership between the Clerk and Councillors is vital. Councillors bring the democratic mandate — they set the vision and priorities for Pulborough. My role is to support them with professional advice, accurate information, and the practical means to deliver those decisions.

When that relationship is strong, the community benefits from decisions that are both well‑informed and properly implemented. Councillors’ local insight and commitment, combined with the Clerk’s operational continuity, creates a balanced and effective team.

Q: What are your current priorities for Pulborough?

Oli: Several priorities run in parallel. The Sports Pavilion and Community Hub redevelopment is my major focus, as it will provide a modern, accessible community facility. We’re also strengthening operational resilience with new staff, a new office and improved IT and financial systems.

Partnership working is another priority — Pulborough thrives when organisations collaborate. And we’re looking ahead to long‑term opportunities such as the Community Land Trust, and the implications of local government reorganisation.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

Oli: I usually start early with emails and staff check‑ins. Mornings often involve administrative work and project documentation. Afternoons tend to be more outward‑facing — meeting residents, visiting sites, or working with Councillors and Neighbourhood Wardens.

And of course, there are always unexpected issues that arise: planning queries, maintenance needs, or new legislation that requires immediate attention.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the role?

Oli: The variety, the people, and the sense of impact. You can see the direct results of your work — whether it’s a repaired culvert, a successful event, or a new community initiative. Pulborough has a strong community spirit, and working with Councillors and residents is genuinely rewarding.

Q: What do you see for Pulborough’s future?

Oli: Pulborough is at a turning point. We have major developments ahead that will reshape the village — improved connectivity, new facilities, and opportunities for land stewardship.

My hope is that we balance growth with identity. If we plan well and keep residents at the centre of decision‑making, we can create a future that feels both modern and authentically Pulborough.

Q: Any final thoughts for residents?

Oli: Stay involved. Whether it’s responding to consultations, joining community groups, or simply sharing your ideas — your voice genuinely shapes the village. The Parish Council is here to serve you, and my door is always open.

Your Background and Path to County Hall

Q: Many residents may know your name from the recent County election ballot form, but not everyone will know your full background. What experience do you feel best prepared you for becoming a County Councillor?

A: Tom: I spent a lot of time involved in community-focused projects when I lived in London and after I moved to Sussex. That gave me a strong understanding of how local issues affect people day to day. My professional background has also taught me how to navigate complex systems, work collaboratively and, importantly, find practical solutions to shared problems. I think those skills translate well to the responsibilities of a County Councillor.

Q: Was there a particular moment or issue that motivated you to stand for election?

A: Tom: There wasn't one single moment, although concerns about unsustainable and inappropriate housing development did play a part in my final decision. It was more a growing sense that I could help bridge the gap between residents, parish councils, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council. I wanted to bring a constructive, community-centred voice to County Hall.

First Impressions Since Election

Q: What have your first few weeks as a County Councillor been like? Any surprises?

A: Tom: It's been both energising and eye-opening. The scale of the work is bigger than many people realise — from highways and transport to social care and education. The induction has been a steep learning curve, and colleagues have been incredibly supportive. One of the biggest surprises has been seeing just how much work goes on behind the scenes to deliver county services and respond to local issues.

Q: What has been most rewarding so far? And what has been most challenging?

A: Tom: The most rewarding part has been meeting residents and hearing directly what matters to them. The challenging part is balancing immediate concerns with longer-term strategic planning. You want to fix everything at once, but you quickly learn the importance of prioritising, understanding what can be done locally, and making sure issues are escalated to the right team and resources.

Priorities

Q: What are your top priorities for your first year in office?

A: Tom: My focus is on four areas:

1. Making progress towards a resolution of the continuing issues at Church Hill.
2. Strengthening communication between the county and local communities.
3. Improving responsiveness on issues such as highways, drainage and local infrastructure, as well as helping residents navigate county services.
4. Supporting vulnerable residents, particularly where county services play a critical role.

Q: Which campaign issues are you already beginning to act on?

A: Tom: Highways and road safety came up repeatedly during the campaign, so I'm already working with officers to understand what can be done in the short term and what requires longer-term planning.

Separately, the ongoing issues at Church Hill and the recently proposed Kingswood site at Adversane were also major campaign issues, and I'm continuing to engage with the relevant councils, officers and local representatives on them.

Working with Parish Councils

Q: You’ve spoken about the importance of parish councils. How do you plan to build strong working relationships with them?

A: Tom: Parish councils are the closest tier of local government to residents, so they're essential partners. I'm committed to meeting parish councils regularly, attending their meetings where appropriate, understanding their priorities and making sure they have a clear line into county processes. Collaboration is key — we can achieve far more when we work together.

Q: Have you had any early conversations with parish councils yet?

A: Tom: Yes, I've already met with most of them. Common themes include highways, planning pressures, crime prevention and making sure communities feel heard. Those conversations have been constructive, and I'm looking forward to building on them and making sure recurring issues are followed through with the appropriate authorities.

Q: Do you see opportunities for joint initiatives?

A: Tom: Absolutely! Whether it's local resilience planning, community safety or small-scale infrastructure improvements, parish councils bring invaluable local insight. I want to develop a partnership based on shared problem-solving rather than isolated conversations.

Looking Ahead

Q: What do you hope residents will say about your work after your first year?

A: Tom: I hope people will say I've been visible, responsive and constructive — someone who listens, follows things through and works hard to get things done.

Q: How will you stay accessible to the communities you represent?

A: Tom:  I'm putting arrangements in place for regular surgeries, parish council attendance, community events and clear communication channels. Being present and accessible matters, and I want residents to know how to contact me and, just as importantly, know that their concerns will be heard and followed up.

 If you have questions for Councillor Croft, you can email him: tom.crofts@westsussex.gov.uk  or send us your questions and we can ask him in print : editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk